Words Matter

Every one of us, at one time or another, have regretted words that have come out of our mouths. We’ve also been hurt by the undisciplined words of others. Words spoken in anger, emotion, or reaction can cause great trouble. 

Words of condescension never elevate the person speaking, but only make them look as small as they really are. Gossip is probably the worst in many ways because it is one of the most overlooked sins in all the Bible. Abusive words directed at someone can cause emotional, spiritual, and even physical death. Maybe that is why James wrote so much about the power of the tongue, in James 3: 

Dear brothers and sisters, not many of you should become teachers in the church, for we who teach will be judged more strictly. Indeed, we all make many mistakes. For if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way.

We can make a large horse go wherever we want by means of a small bit in its mouth.  And a small rudder makes a huge ship turn wherever the pilot chooses to go, even though the winds are strong.  In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches.

But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire.  And among all the parts of the body, the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself. 

People can tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and fish,  but no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison.  Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God. And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right!  Does a spring of water bubble out with both fresh water and bitter water? Does a fig tree produce olives, or a grapevine produce figs? No, and you can’t draw fresh water from a salty spring (James 3:1-12 NLT).

The writer of Proverbs summed it up in far less words, but the warning is just at serious. 

A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare (Proverbs 15:1 NLT).

So, what can we do to help ourselves? Become self-aware, ask God to give you strength to have self-control, learn to look at others with love instead of disdain. Work on your attitude toward life in general. Be kind and allow the Fruits of God’s Spirit to be at work in your life, at home, at work, and in the marketplace. Be gentle in spirit and approachable instead of the person everyone hates to see approaching.