Words have the power to create worlds, but they can also destroy them. The Bible introduces us to the power of words, when it tells us God spoke the world into existence.
The book of Proverbs recognizes the potency of words, writing:
"A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver" (25.11) and
"A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver" (25.11) and
"To make an apt answer is a joy to anyone, and a word in season, how good it is!" (15.23).
The NT picks up on this wisdom trend, charging us to "not let any unwholesome talk come out of our mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen" (Eph 4.29).
We can all draw on moments when words have either helped us flourish or severely torn us down.
It may be a good time to ask yourself, as the year is still young, do my words create or destroy worlds? Through my words, am I leaving a legacy of love, encouragement, and truth or one of shame, belittling, and discouragement?
If you haven't found a New Year's Resolution yet, try Ephesians 4.29. It may be the most challenging, but also the most rewarding one you attempt.
1 comment:
Sitting in the dentist chair, feeling stressed, I found comfort in recalling words recently read, "Our inner landscapes make up our essence and give our days their color and texture." Somehow shifting my thoughts to the words of the inner life's "color and texture" resulted in a relaxation. The mystery of the power of words...
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