“A gentle response defuses anger, but a sharp tongue kindles a temper-fire.”- Proverbs 15:1 (MSG) Words have power. Especially right words, spoken at the right time. The Bible calls them “fitly spoken,” comparing them to treasures – golden apples in silver settings according to Proverbs 25:11. This is symbolic of divine value, of something spoken with such grace and …
“A gentle response defuses anger, but a sharp tongue kindles a temper-fire.”
– Proverbs 15:1 (MSG)
Words have power. Especially right words, spoken at the right time. The Bible calls them “fitly spoken,” comparing them to treasures – golden apples in silver settings according to Proverbs 25:11. This is symbolic of divine value, of something spoken with such grace and wisdom that it shifts atmospheres, heals hearts, and opens doors.
Words are elements that shape the world. Battles have been won and wars have been averted by just an utterance. Many homes have been set in disarray and many hearts have been won through the operation of spoken words. A right word spoken at the wrong time can do just as much damage sometimes as a wrong word. In other words, timing is key when making an utterance.
1 Samuel 18:7 (NKJV) says, “so the women sang as they danced, and said: Saul has slain his thousands, And David his ten thousands.”
Before you read further, have a look at the preceding verses leading to this utterance from these women. David was beloved by Saul having put him in charge of his army.
Words have power.
“So, David went out wherever Saul sent him and behaved wisely. And Saul set him over the men of war, and he was accepted in the sight of all the people, and also in the sight of Saul’s servants”. – 1 Samuel 18:5 (NKJV).
No one could occupy that sensitive position without a great deal of trust placed in such an individual. Then, we see words said about how David took out more enemies than his benefactor and king, Saul. The people who uttered this statement might have just said it casually, maybe gesticulating as they went by. But that was the beginning of David’s troubles with Saul as detailed in 1 Samuel 18:8-9.
On the other hand, Abigail in 1 Samuel 25:23-31 averted the destruction of her home, turned wrath into pleasantness and found favor in the sight of David by her choice of words.
Knowledge is not enough. In addition to having knowledge, we must get mastery over the use of words. Have you ever wondered how the devil was able to manipulate Eve in the garden of Eden to disobey God? Words!
In your family, be courteous, be mindful of your choice of words. Speak right, speak at the right time. As you go out today, reflect on these three questions;
Do my words build up or tear down?
Am I speaking the right words? And lastly,
Is there someone I need to speak to today in love, an apology or an encouragement?
Song of Worship
Our God is an awesome God
He reigns from heaven above
With wisdom, power, and love
Our God is an awesome God
Song Awesome God by Michael W. Smith
Prayer – Lord, teach me the power of my words. Let my tongue be guided by Your Spirit, not by emotion or haste. May my utterances be treasures in the ears of those who hear them in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Bible in 1 Year: Psalms 46-48; Acts 28
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