“Words satisfy the mind as much as fruit does the stomach; good talk is as gratifying as a good harvest. Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit—you choose.” Proverbs 18:20-21
What you say to someone can be crucial. How you say it can be a make-or-break tone. The words we use each day can and do impact others and ourselves.
Maybe it’s just me, but …Why is it that I can easily remember some of the devastating and hurtful words someone has said to me sometimes much easier than I can recall the positive and good sayings? Do I wish I didn’t dredge up in my mind the hurtful words of someone? Yes! But for some reason, they have a tendency of creeping up. (not often, but they are there)
I have three children. So I’m sure at some point, okay I know at some point, I have said something to offend them or knock them down a bit. I am a compassionate person, but sometimes my compassion runs thin and my mouth can be a little smartelicy. Oh, it doesn’t even have to be my words; it can just be a look on my face. That look of “Are you kidding me? What were you thinking?” A word OR a look can crush someone’s spirit.
“Errrr. Put the brakes on and stop!” That’s what I need to make sure I do each time before I open my mouth or contortion my face in a condescending way. Yes, like the scripture says, “words kill”.
Ahhh, but let’s look at the gratifying words that we hear and say. Words can be pleasing to the ear.
“Good job!”
“I love you!”
“You are amazing!”
“I like the way you …..”
“You look stunning, beautiful, handsome,….”
“Thank you.”
“I appreciate _____ about you.”
“How are you?”
“Have a good/beautiful/blessed day.”
And on and on the list can go.
Notice how even just a simple “How are you today?” can make someone’s day. For example, Holly and I had ordered food through one of the Wendy’s drive-thrus in town a couple of times. We had noticed how the same lady’s attitude was not so pleasing and grateful. I‘m not sure if she wasn’t enjoying her job, had problems at home, wasn’t feeling well, or what. Finally, one day we went through the same drive-thru and the same lady was working the window. I asked her, “How are you today?”, and she looked like a puppy dog. Her head tilted and her eyes connected to mine. She smiled (that’s was the first time we had seen her smile) and responded politely. When we drove away, Holly said with excitement, “She smiled!” Seeing that lady smile made us feel good inside.
Remember, we don’t know what is going on in people’s lives (see the “Green Bean Theory” from May 29th). So give a little happiness and show some kindness either through your words or your smile.
When I searched for bible verses on speech, there was a surplus of verses to read. Here are just a few:
Psalm 19:14
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.
Psalm 139:4
Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O LORD.
Proverbs 15:1-2
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.
Proverbs 16:24
Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
What words will you use today? Will they kill or give life?
Have a blessed day!
July 26, “Walk in the Word”