Words Matter

Proverbs 15:30 Light in a messenger’s eyes brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones.

Good news is always welcomed.  This week I was in Houston for my three-month check-up.  I find it hard to believe that its already been three months since I completed my cancer treatments.  I will be honest and admit I was a little nervous about the visit, but after three days of tests and Dr. Visits followed by more tests and then even more visits, we got the report.  At this time the test does not show any cancer (Praise the Lord), or as my radiation Dr. said, “I do not see anything that concerns me at the moment, but we will keep watching closely.” He is a little stoic but a great Dr. This was indeed good news.  I know it was a relief for me, my wife and family.  This report was only due to the power of God and in answer to the prayers of His people.  I still have a way to go on this road of recovery but with God’s daily healing and your continued prayer God will see me thru. 

Proverbs is so right; good news does indeed bring joy and health.  I think we often forget how powerful our words can be, more importantly in our homes.  When was the last time that you gave a word of encouragement or praise to someone in your family?  Saying just the right thing can have an immense impact on your children.

Proverbs 15:23 A person finds joy in giving an apt reply—and how good is a timely word!  Yes, the right word at the right moment can impact and change lives.  Yet, with the same mouth that we can lift others, we can also destroy. 15:4 The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.

Whatever we say, it is important and wise to heed the psalmist’s injunction: Set a guard over my mouth, LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips Psalm 141:3. The tongue has the power of life and death,” wrote Solomon Proverbs 18:21. A few verses earlier he cautions, “To answer before listening—that is folly and shame” (verse 13).

I ponder how often our words have suppressed the spirit of someone we say we love.  Brothers and sisters let us use our mouths in a way that is pleasing to God.  Let us bring our tongue under control and have only words of encouragement and praise.  I pray today that God will work in my life and in yours. To lead us on a journey that the way we live and speak will give witness to the truth of God’s word.