WISDOM OF WORDS (2)

“There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, but the TONGUE of the WISE PROMOTES HEALTH” – Proverbs 12:18

The abundant, fulfilling, and healthy Life in Christ is linked to the WISDOM of WORDS: “There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, but the TONGUE of the WISE PROMOTES HEALTH” (Pro.12:18). Here, God equates a fool’s words to the piercings of a sharp sword and a wise person’s words to health. The Old Testament warrior’s sword could cut, stab, slash and kill the enemy. We’re being warned that our words may inflict great harm, just like a sword. Such words are foolish words in contrast with words of the wise. What we say to others really matters. They can leave people bleeding or healed, wounded or strengthened, provoked or perfected, broken or blessed.

Our words can cause great harm or do much good: “A wholesome tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit” (Pro.15:4). Words can harm or heal; lead aright or astray. Negative words can break down and weaken; while positive words build up and strengthen. Words can enliven or kill: “Death and life are in the POWER of the TONGUE, and those who love it will eat its fruits” (Pro.18:21).

Solomon frequently contrasted the positive, constructive and negative, destructive tongue.

“In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is wise” (Pro.10:19).

“He who guards his mouth preserves his life, buthe who opens wide his lips shall have destruction” (Prov.13:3).

“A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, but the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness” (Pro.15:1-2).

“A fool vents all his feelings, but a wise man holds them back” (Pro.29:11).

James affirmed the Power of the Tongue: “Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell…But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison” (Jam.3: 5-6, 8).

Paul described some tongues as poison: “with their tongues they have practiced deceit”; “The poison of asps is under their lips” (Rom.3:13b).

We can bring healing to wounded hearts and lift down-cast spirits with well-chosen words. We can help overcome anxiety by speaking truth and hope into lives: “Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, but a good word makes it glad” (v.25). We can bring encouragement to someone who is beaten down. Every single day, we can find someone to encourage, uplift, strengthen, and bless, with our words. Rather than hold back, let’s reach out to lift up the depressed, build confidence, assuage fears, inspire faith, and restore hope.