When we fellowship with one another it is important
to remember that what the tongue speaks can be either choice silver or ugly
trash. Words that are carefully chosen can be a healing balm to the
listener. The old adage, "Talk is cheap" holds much truth. Our words can
be a fountain of life or liquid poison. No wonder the wise man Solomon tells
us in Proverbs 10:20-21
"The tongue of the just is like choice silver:..The lips of the righteous
feed many:.."
It is wise to love others with our words. I recently overheard a husband
say to his young wife, "You sure have a big nose." Perhaps he said it in
a kidding fashion, but it was said in the presence of others and I know from
my own experience that it hurt. Now, whenever I see this young lady, I let
her know how beautiful she is. Her appreciation is written on her face and
she responds with, "Thank-you." I am not flattering her. She is truly a lovely
young lady.
| The boneless tongue, so small and weak, Can crush and kill,"
--Greek Proverb |
| "The tongue destroys a greater horde, than does the sword."
--Turkish Proverb |
| A Persian proverb wisely saith, "A lengthy tongue-- an early
death." Or sometimes takes this form instead: "Don't let your tongue
cut off your head." |
| "The tongue can speak a word whose speed, outstrips the
steed." --Chinese Proverb |
| "The tongue's great storehouse is the heart." --Arab
Proverb |
| "Though feet should slip, ne'er let the tongue." --Hebrew
Proverb |
Think of it! You and I can bring encouragement through the power of
our words. Whenever we are with people, we can give a transfusion of hope
and possibly help to lift a heavy load that someone might be carrying---simply
by the power of our words.
Words give energy. We can spur people to action by our positive, encouraging
words. At the beginning of every school year our administrator would invite
a motivational speaker to present a "pep talk" to the teachers. When we returned
to our classrooms, we had a spurt of energy to face the challenge of the
new school year. (Of course, by the end of the first week we could have used
another big spurt.) However, the "power of words" gave us a jump start for
the challenges ahead. The positive words of the speaker sent forth an energy
that empowered us to action.
Have you ever watched a weight lifter just before he lifts the heavy weight?
He pauses for a time to concentrate and mull over the lift in his mind. As
he is doing so, I am told that he will encourage himself with words like,
"I am very strong. I can lift this five hundred pounds high above my head."
I have strength entering my body and I can do it now" The combination
of muscle mass and the power of words results in the weight lifter's success.
If he had told himself, "I can't do this. I am not strong enough." He
could have never lifted the weight regardless of his strength and muscle
mass.
Take up the challenge. Be determined to carefully give consideration to every
word that is spoken. Jesus said in Luke 6:45,
"A good man out of the treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which
is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth
that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh."
Notice--Jesus links the good or the evil with what the mouth speaks. It is
all one sentence. (NLT) says "whatever is in your heart determines what you
say." The words we speak so freely have energy and energy is a force that
causes action. The dictionary tells us that energy is an inherent power to
produce an effect. Whoa! That is awesome! Power can destroy or be channeled
to be productive. Just think how effective we can be on this earth with words.
Simple words. |
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Words that are softly spoken,
Can build a world of charm
Words of tender passion,
Can rescue a soul from harm.
Words of wondrous beauty,
Like silver embedded in gold,
Can lift the brokenhearted
To heavenly joys untold.
Words of love and comfort
Can calm a stormy sea.
Words of courage and wisdom,
Bring wonderful peace to me.
Words of hope like sunshine
Fill the heart and soul.
Wonderful words - how precious
Are worth a future of gold.
--Claude Cox
About the Author:
Lois Lobbs has a B.A. degree in elementary education from the
University
of Michigan. She is a welcomed guest speaker at Women Aglow meetings in the
Michigan area. She is a woman of faith, a woman of The Word, a woman
of prayer... and a woman who understands the power of encouraging
words.
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