Words Put In Place

Your words are so powerful that they will kill or give life, and the talkative person will reap the consequences. Proverbs 18:21 

Living in a society and culture that promotes us having our say anytime we feel like it should have more talkative guidelines. If guidelines seem too structured then maybe at least a truer understanding of the impact our words carry.

Since I retired a few years ago from the business world, I’ve noticed I do not talk as much as I once did.  I’m sure it has something to do with no longer being in a leadership role, managing people, nor serving the public. 

It has created my senses though to listen more since I talk less. It also has given me the chance to reflect on memories of conversations…conversations that relate to our main passage of scripture concerning how powerful our words truly are.

How many of you can remember a time you said something you wish you had not? Too many to count in my book.  I’ve also been on the receiving end of my share of stab wounds just like you. Our remembrance whether on the giving or receiving end bear words that cause the heart to ache, relationships to be damaged, and consequences that change us forever. 

We hold much more responsibility than we realize. Words spoken without much consideration or given in haste can carry the force of destruction to a relationship for the rest of our lives.  

To not be a total downer and fair on the balancing scale,  I’m sure you can also recall when your words added meaning and comfort to someone as well. I like thinking about those recollections much more.  I bet you do too.

Reflecting on the fuel that positive words can supply in a single moment is one of the reasons I enjoy making good words the focus of Lingering In The Oasis. We all could use more kind, loving, forgiving, encouraging, and life giving words.  

There’s a phrase that was used in my former profession arena years ago that said….act as you must, not as you feel.

It applied well when making sure you are providing great service to your clients. Placing their needs as your top priority was always the focus.

What if we placed the need of our words to sound more encouraging as a top priority?  Maybe refer to it as…..say what you ought, not what you often do.

Reaping what we sow is one of the best methods to receive those life giving words.  If I say something nice to you, doesn’t the chance of a good response lean in my favor?  I know, not every time. Depends on the person, right?  But, if our mindful efforts are laced with more words of speaking life, then shouldn’t we at least feel better about ourselves, knowing we are following Jesus example?

Understand this, my Christian friends: We must all be careful to listen. We should not be too quick to speak. We should not get angry quickly. James 1:19 

And never let ugly or hateful words come from your mouth, but instead let your words become beautiful gifts that encourage others; do this by speaking words of grace to help them. Ephesians 4:29 

  If only we could fully grasp the impact of knowing the outcome of what we say.  If we could somehow build more nouns, adjectives, and verbs into our vocabulary that add and not subtract. If you, I, and everyone could make a concentrated attempt in saying what’s good vs bad, then our world would be a better place.  

Oh, the power of our words.

What can you say to the next person you see that will be good for them and yourself?

What about the 2nd person you talk to…and others the next day….and the many you’ll see within the next week?

God, we look to You.
May we have a desire to lace our words with Your love.

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