Saturday, September 8, 2012

The Tongue is a mighty sword (use carefully)

Our words are like a might sword and should be used carefully.  Perhaps that is why the psalmist wrote, "Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing."  There is no such thing as a casual, meaningless word.  All of our words have meaning and can cause great harm or bring healing and peace.  They are mighty indeed.

Because our words are like a sword, we must be careful in in how we use them.  Choosing our words carefully requires wisdom so that they are used in love, "...but the tongue of the wise brings healing."  Appropriately placed words can heal the broken-hearted, bring hope to the hopeless, and cure those who are lonely and depressed.  What a tremendous and wonderful gift we have at our disposal!  Knowing what to say and when to say it is key.

I confess that this psalm (and this blog post) hits very close to home.  I carry many battle scars caused by loose words thrown in my direction over the years.  I have unfortunately wounded many people as well.  This is one of the reasons why I have started this blog. It is an opportunity for me to share positive, encouraging words aimed at building-up and encouraging others.  While I realize that I can never truly reclaim loose comments that have forever escaped my lips, I can commit to choosing my words more carefully from this point forward.  I can even choose to let my words act as instruments of healing and restoration.

All of us have a similar choice.  Recognizing that our words are like a sharp, powerful sword is the first step in the process.  Choosing when to use various words is like choosing when to use a sword in battle -- swinging it around recklessly does not bring victory.  Words thrown around words aimlessly will not bring healing.  There must be purpose and intent in every vowel...every syllable of the words we use.

So seek opportunities to encourage those around you.  Pick at least one person to encourage every day as a start.  That person could be your spouse, brother or sister, child, or co-worker.  I'm sure there are many people around you who could use a verbal "pick-me-up."  You will quickly find that your words are a mighty weopon of hope, love, and encouragement as you put this into practice!

Share this blog with those in your life and leave a comment...thanks!   

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