Words by Ineke
James 3:2-10 (KJV)
2 For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.
3 Behold, we put bits in the horses’ mouths that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.
4 Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth.
5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold how great a matter a little fire kindleth!
6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.
7 For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind:
8 But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.
9 Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.
10 Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.
Matthew 12:36-37 (KJV)
36 But I say unto you, that every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.
37 For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.
Proverbs 18:21a (KJV)
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue …”
There is no doubt about the power words have to either build up or tear another down.
Perhaps you are able to recall an occasion where someone’s words have made you feel on top of the world and you could achieve anything; you could probably recall the events surrounding that experience – perhaps they were encouraging words from a teacher, parent or friend. Years later those words may still inspire positive, life affirming emotions.
Have you ever noticed how a young child blossoms when encouraged or praised, they don’t give up but try all the harder to achieve goals.
On the other hand you may recall with dismay words that have been far from encouraging- unkind taunts from school ground bullies perhaps, criticism from peers, angry exchanges which leave you feeling devastated and distraught. Years later those words can still cause pain, in fact studies have shown how negative messages can have lifelong influences on a person’s self esteem.
I recall a colleague who had a very traumatic experience with a manager which left her shattered and she related some very negative remarks which were made during the confrontation. Those remarks hindered reconciliation for many years and even though the situation was resolved sufficiently to enable both parties to continue working together, distrust and bitterness lingered affecting not only themselves but all those around them for a long time.
The Bible places huge importance on our words and the effects they have; there are over 125 passages relating to this subject and almost every chapter of Proverbs has something to say about the tongue.
Small wonder then that we are urged to be careful how we speak and what we say and to be mindful of the impact our words may have on others
Let’s pray for a godly purpose in our interactions with people – to build up, not tear down, to praise, not criticize, to bless and not curse.
Proverbs 16:24 (KJV) “Pleasant words are as a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and health to the bones”