This morning I read 2 different items that impacted me. They are related by subject (words) but not really in content. However, since they do have to do with our words I wanted to share them together.
The first is found in Proverbs 26:22- “The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels; they go down into the inner parts of the body.”
That verse is pretty easy to understand. Many register (and express) shock with a harrumph and a cluck-cluck of the tongue when they hear of someone committing a “big sin,” i.e. adultery, theft, murder, or the like. But gossip gets a pass. Much is made of a divorce and remarriage, but little is said about the gossip which fanned the flames of rumor and rancor. You know the kind I am talking about.
The second item I read was from a devotion book I’m reading called Homespun Devotions-Vol. 1 by my blogging friend, Cheryl E. Smith. Cheryl wrote about an encounter she had in a store which tested her. She was writing about how she misrepresented the name of her family, but most importantly, her Savior in an exchange with a clerk (“A Good Name”-Pp.55-57).
Words spoken out of haste, anger, and misunderstanding escalated between her and the store clerk. Fortunately, she was open to the Spirit’s leading in her heart. She sensed His check; apologized to the clerk; defused the situation; then apologized to her son who witnessed his mom’s behavior. Now…it would be easy to say, “The clerk was obnoxious” or “It had been a long day and I was tired and not in the mood for her attitude,” but that really isn’t the issue. Defusing the situation by listening to the Spirit’s inner prompting, and saying, “I’m sorry” is the way of the Christ-follower.
Two examples of the wrong use of words. Makes me wonder about the times I have spoken out of turn; spoken ill of someone; spread a rumor; or jumped down someone’s throat.
Is there some patching up you need to do? Some apologizing? Words can kill or heal. What kind will yours be today?
Words really can’t be taken back and pride often has a way of allowing the purging of the mouth to continue. It takes a listening spirit to adjust the knobs of the heart to allow warmth to be dispensed from the faucet in our face vs cold attacks of retaliation, bitterness, gossip, anger, etc…
You hit on the real problem with words Ryan: they can’t be taken back. Even with apologies being said. We all need to listen better and get rid of the cold attacks you list.
Our words can either glorify the Lord and His Kingdom or they divide, facture, and escalate issues that hurt the Kingdom of God. Words can either lift people up, or tear them down. There are times that the wrong spoken word is such a hurt that someone holds onto that for their entire life. That word spreads out and hurts a multitude of things in that person’s life. Father, please help me to always consider my words before I speak them. Help me to follow the Holy Spirit’s prompting if I am about to create a hurt that cannot be retracted. I want to honor Your Kingdom, not divide it. Words have an impact on every situation, help me to speak with love, respond not react to issues. When I mess that up, teach me to apologize immediately without delay, and to repent my sin to You immediately as well.
What you say is so true Gail. The spread of either good or bad is a by-product of our words. Apology and repentance should be staples of the followers walk with Christ.
I do so love Cheryl’s honest and candid attitude that manifests itself perfectly in this anecdote from her book, Bill. May we all be quick to resolve differences with grace, and do our level best not to speak ill of another, even when we might think “they deserve it.” Blessings, Bill!
I have found that attitude as well Martha. And yes, may we all be quick to resolve issued with grace.
I’m guilty of doing that in almost all my interactions with people. That’s why I’m learning to be quiet. I’ve got a very hot tongue. I fell into the sin of gossip when was I in my Christian youth, but have learned.
Ed, I think your struggle is common with all of us. James called it “an unruly evil full of deadly poison.” The important thing is to turn it over daily to Him and ask for change.
Pastor Bill, I was SO blessed to stop by to read your post and see your comment about my book. My, I am humbled beyond words and thank you from the bottom of my heart for your kindness. I am so far behind in my blog reading, and I guess the Lord knew I needed to see this one today. Praise His holy name, and may He bless you richly!
I was glad to do it Cheryl. I hope I do the review justice. Thank you for the blessing and I’ll be quick to say He does.