Words

“I have a dream…” “One small step…” “We the people…” “In the beginning…” “Here’s Johnny!”

Words. They are so powerful. They can build up, inspire, offer hope, and make us laugh, or they can tear down, destroy, and invoke fear. It all depends on what words and in what order they are spoken. We use our tongues to form the words that give us speech. The Bible says the tongue has the power to wield life or death.

Words kill, words give life;
    they’re either poison or fruit—you choose. Prov. 18:21 (MSG)

Say the wrong words to a child, and you can destroy their self-esteem. Or the wrong words spoken in a relationship, and it can come to an end. But the right words can do wonderful things.

The right word at the right time
    is like a custom-made piece of jewelry, Prov. 25:11 (MSG)

There may be times, when you are having a conversation with a friend and realize they are about to make a mistake or a wrong decision in their life. It can be difficult to speak up, but I have learned that if you ask for an invitation to speak into their life first, then they can’t get upset if they do not like what you say to them. Hopefully, they will recognize that you are speaking to them words of life because you care for them.

And a wise friend’s timely reprimand
    is like a gold ring slipped on your finger. Prov. 25:12 (MSG)

We all should be mindful of the power of words at all times and in all situations. Being slow to speak is a great discipline.

Post this at all the intersections, dear friends: Lead with your ears, follow up with your tongue, and let anger straggle along in the rear. God’s righteousness doesn’t grow from human anger. So throw all spoiled virtue and cancerous evil in the garbage. In simple humility, let our gardener, God, landscape you with the Word, making a salvation-garden of your life. James 1:19-21 (MSG)

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