The Power of Words

Scripture:
Proverbs 10:20a — “The tongue of the righteous is as choice silver…” 10:21a, “The lips of the righteous feed many…” 10:31a, “The mouth of the righteous flows with wisdom…” 10:32a, “The lips of the righteous bring forth what is acceptable…”

Observation:
Tongue…lips…mouth…blessings. Solomon is declaring the truth that the words that I say can have a major impact on another’s life. This is true whether they are words that build up or ones that beat up. Perhaps because these words are so rare, Solomon says the tongue that speaks them is “as choice silver,” a treasure to the one who hears them. But the blessings of words that are graced by God can have rich benefits to another: feeding them truth of God’s Word, speaking wisdom into their life, and actually bringing about actions that are acceptable from their life.

Application:
Many times I have seen the negative impact hurtful words can have. I’ve watched as people’s entire lives have been shaped by the words that were spoken to them by significant people in their lives. Because of the power of the words that I say to my family, I need to take special care to always ensure that I am speaking words of grace, wisdom, and truth – words that build up and speak blessings into them. It’s unsettling to think about how the words I am speaking or not speaking into my children today can affect them for the rest of their lives.

Prayer:
Father, I need you to help me as I interact with others today. Thank You for once again reminding me of the power of my words. Help me to control my tongue. I don’t want to say things that will tear others down, especially those closest to me. In times of conflict and tension, help me to control my reaction by Your Holy Spirit. I want you to speak words of grace, truth, and wisdom through me today. Help me to think before I speak.

— Jeff Holland, congregational care pastor, Reservoir campus