By Riley Nelson, Minister, Richmond Hill Church of Christ
How important are our words? They can change a bad day into a good one, make one who is sad smile, but they can break up families, keep lost ones from the truth and destroy friendships, so really they can change the course of our lives. It is important that we are careful with our words. Here is where difficulties arise. James had some good advice on the subject of speaking when by inspiration he wrote, “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath” (James 1:19).
We must learn to control the things we say. James also tells us this is a difficult thing to do (James 3:1-12). There is an old song entitled “Angry Words”. The lyrics tell of how we should never let angry words escape from our lips, but that the best impulse of our heart might check those words lest they spoil the lips. Another verse states how brightest links of life may be broken by a single angry word. How true are these words? How many times have husbands or wives said things in a moment of anger and wished so much to be able to recall those words but it is to late. Parents have been guilty of the same thing, concerning their children. “Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold how great a matter a little fire kindleth! (James 3:5). The tongue can be used just like a match in a dry field; one small statement can destroy friendships, families and even congregations.
There are so many ways one can misuse words. Cursing, tale bearing, gossip, boasting, lying, are just a few ways that words can be misused. Cursing in our day seems to have become a way of life for so many. It is as if they could not talk unless they used a curse word in their speech.
Gossip and tale bearing are also ways in which words are misused on occasion. The Psalmist wrote concerning this, “LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill? He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart. He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbor, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbor” (Psalm 15:1-3). Even if a thing is true, it should not become a subject of gossip.
Knowing the power of words should keep us from saying things that are hurtful to others. Many times without thinking things are said that “cut to the core.” While it is true words can be misused, they do not have to be. Words are that by which souls can be brought to the Lord. In II Kings 5 there is a wonderful example of how just a few words were able to help show God to a nation of people. It is the account of Naaman a captain in the army of Syria, who was a sufferer of leprosy. His wife’s little maid spoke just a few words concerning the prophet of God. After doing as the prophet had told him Naaman made the statement, “…Behold, now I know that there is no God in all the earth, but in Israel:…” (II Kings 5:15). How many do we speak to about God each day? The world needs to hear more words spoken from God’s word. They may be “Just Words” but so much depends upon them. Strive to use our words in service to God.