Ephesians
4:29 Let no foul or
polluting
language, nor
evil
word nor
unwholesome
or
worthless
talk [ever] come out of your mouth, but only such [speech] as is good
and
beneficial
to the spiritual progress of others, as is fitting to the need and
the
occasion, that it may be a blessing and
give
grace (God's favor) to those who hear it.
(AMP)
Our
words are tools that can either build up or tear down. It is hard to
imagine that harsh words can be similar to wrecking balls, but that
is exactly how we should view them. It was the power of God that
allowed the shouts of the Israelites to bring down the walls of
Jericho, but the imagery of this spectacle is still intriguing.
Except for Rahab, hardly anyone in Jericho could have imagined that
by trumpets and shouts the walls would be destroyed. Yet, this is
what happened and you could say that words
wrecked the wall.
It has often been
phrased, “Think before you speak.” Well, perhaps we should be
thinking of the aftermath of Israel's cries and realize
that our own words, spoken in anger, cynicism, and haste, can cause
lasting damage. The word
sarcasm comes from the Greek term σαρκασμός (sarkasmós)
which gives the imagery of flesh literally being torn off! In
an instant we can create our own cruel whip for peoples backs,
when we scornfully lash out at others.
We need to be reminded of what Jesus
said in Matthew 12:37, “For
by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be
condemned.” The
common phrase “silence is golden” is so true. Indeed, “Whoso
keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles
(Proverbs
21:23).”
It is not that we should be afraid to talk at all, but that we should
be observant over the timing of, manner of, and reason for our words
(Proverbs 15:1, 23).
Paul
once wrote to Titus, “In all things
see that you are an example of good works; holy in your teaching,
serious in behaviour, Saying true and right words, against which no
protest may be made, so that he who is not on our side may be put to
shame, unable to say any evil of us
(Titus 2:7-8 / BBE).” More than anything, we must realize that a
holy walk coupled with true
and right
words are imperative in the Christian life. To have wisdom show forth
in our walk and talk shines brightly in this world filled with
cursing, complaining, and cynicism. Oh God, may our words be
a well of life to barren hearts in need
of Your love (Proverbs
10:11)!
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