Last night I threw myself into a tizzy because of a couple of words spoken to me. They were delivered in a nonchalant manner and were benign, but because they fell into my heart where fear resides, they became bigger than life. The more I thought about them in an unbiblical fashion, the more they grew and caused me grief. After talking to a dear friend, I gave myself a time out and went to bed. Today I feel sheepish for having reacted in panic. My focus is no longer obscured by fear and doubt.
Much of our lives we spend hanging on a word. Words have the power to heal, discourage, empower, humble, belittle, strengthen and wound. Whoever said "Sticks and stones may break my bones but words shall never hurt me" was living on another planet. Words are important. Words are as dangerous as fists. They can lead us straight into hell itself. Words can protect us from harm and help us keep our wits about us when our world is falling apart.
The bible has a lot to say about words:
Proverbs 25:11
{Like} apples of gold in settings of silver is a word spoken in right circumstances.
Proverbs 15:23
A man has joy in an apt answer, and how delightful is a timely word!
Proverbs 24:26
He kisses the lips who gives a right answer.
Job 6:25
"How painful are honest words! But what does your argument prove?
Ecclesiastes 12:10-11
10 The Preacher sought to find delightful words and to write words of truth correctly.
11 The words of wise men are like goads, and masters of {these} collections are like well-driven nails; they are given by one Shepherd.
Isaiah 50:4
The Lord GOD has given me the tongue of disciples, that I may know how to sustain the weary one with a word. He awakens {me} morning by morning, He awakens My ear to listen as a disciple.
Ephesians 4:29
29 Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such {a word} as is good for edification according to the need {of the moment,} that it may give grace to those who hear.
Colossians 4:6
6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned, {as it were,} with salt, so that you may know how you should respond to each person.
Prov 16:24
Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
Psalm 37:30
30 The mouth of the righteous utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks justice.
Proverbs 12:25
Anxiety in the heart of a man weighs it down, but a good word makes it glad.
The truth is as believers we have The Word. Before I went to bed last night I examined my fearful heart and then drew on what I know to be true. Hebrews tells me the Word of God is living and active and able to discern the intentions of my heart. The Psalms tell me that if I hide His word in my heart, I will be able to withstand temptations of sin and doubt. John tells me that Jesus is the Word and Acts tells me that there is no other name by which I can be saved.
Yup, I would say words are important.
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