The value of words

Words are amazing things when you take time to think about it. Words spoken with inspiration and courage can rally entire nations against impossible odds. Words spoken with harmful intentions can destroy a person’s, especially a child’s, will to even exist. The words of education can lift a person out of the ghetto. The words of compassion can lighten a heavy heart. The words of Jesus Christ can save a soul from eternal punishment. Never underestimate the power of words.

We have three points of advice from Solomon today that deal with the use of words.

First, be careful in the quantity of words you use: “Don’t talk too much, because you’ll not be able to avoid saying something that you will regret. Be sensible and turn off the flow!” 

Being that my primary profession as a pastor means I generally talk and write for a living, this verse causes me to pause and think. At what point do I talk or write too much? When do I reach the proper number of words? For those of you reading this, I can already hear you saying: “You’ve already reached it, Al – it’s time to turn off the flow!” 

The point Solomon is trying to get across is for us to think before we speak (or write). Don’t start running off at the mouth for the sake of being heard. Make sure you have something of value to say. Take the time to first understand and then consider and evaluate what you are going to release in the way of words.

When you just spout off and continue running your mouth rapid-fire, the propensity to say something hurtful or damaging is greatly increased. When we fail to give our minds the opportunity to govern what spills over our lips, trouble is likely to follow.

Second, we must weigh the words we hear from others: “The words of the righteous are like sterling silver; the heart of a fool is worthless.”

The full article is available in our e-Edition. Click here to subscribe.