MARCH 12, 2010

WORDS THAT WOUND THE HEART

PART 1

Scripture Reading: Proverbs 12:18

"There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword:

but the tongue of the wise is health."

Most of us have no idea how much we talk. It is said that, in a single day, some use enough words to fill a 50-page book. In one year's time, the average person's words fill 132 books, each containing 400 pages.

Our words have incredible power. They have power to hurt or to heal. Proverbs 12:18 says, "There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health." Some use words that cut and wound the soul of others.

In preparation for a message, I asked several people to recall deeply hurtful words someone had said to them. In each case, they remembered a specific childhood incident involving a family member, a coach, or a teacher.

Something that motivates others is the words they hear from those they respect. Words can carry enormous weight. Approval or disapproval from the right person can last a lifetime. Proverbs 18:21a says, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue."

God compares words to a sharp sword ( Ps. 57:4 ), poison ( Rom. 3:13-14 ), a tree of life ( Prov. 15:4 ), deep waters ( Prov. 18:4 ), and a fire ( James 3:5 ). Oh, how powerful our words are! Words can follow us throughout our lives, scarring our souls and our destinies. "You'll always be a failure." "You'll never be a decent person." "I can never trust you again."

In contrast, words can motivate others to noble deeds. After a service, a boy named Billy approached evangelist Dr. John R. Rice. Placing his hand on the boy's head, Dr. Rice said, "Son, you would make a fine preacher." The boy, W.A. Criswell, later became the well-known pastor of the First Baptist Church in Dallas, TX.

ACTION POINT: Your words make a difference - for good or for bad. What kind of words are you speaking? Throughout the day, be aware of your words and of the effect they have on others.

--Rick Johnson--