Words are so powerful. They have the power to heal and to kill; to give hope or to cause utmost despair. They can bring success or failure. They have such a great effect on our lives.
***What are your words doing today?***
Proverbs 18:21 says - "Death and Life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof." With our own mouths, we direct our way into the path of Life or the path of Death.
The Book of Proverbs has alot to say about our choice of words. However, for the purpose of this message, we would like to examine five characteristics of words as outlined throughout the Scriptures.
# 1 Words Have a Timing
Proverbs 15:23 - "...a word spoken in due season, how good is it!"
Proverbs 25:11 - "A word fitly spoken..."
We can all reflect on a time in our past when we spoke a word to our children, spouses, family members, coworkers, ministerial staff, etc., only to find that it seemingly had no effect. It fell on deaf ears. Why?
What ever happened? The word spoken was Scriptural. It seemed necessary at the time.
The Scriptures tell us that words have a set time for their effectiveness. There is a right moment for good advice based on the Word of God. There is a specific timing for every apt answer.
Proverbs 15:23 tells us - "...and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!" In other words, how wonderful it is to say the right thing at the right time and in the right place. It is pertinent to the purpose. It hits the target.
On the other hand, many good words were disregarded simply because they were not well-timed.
Proverbs 25:11 mentions - "A word fitly spoken..." It implies a due season for each word. It can be depicted as words being carried on wheels that run well and are well-circumstanced according to a
proper time and a proper place.
How many of us have grieved over our words in the past that were spoken at the wrong time and in the wrong place? May we glean much wisdom from the Scriptures here concerning our words. God is not telling us to speak every thing that comes to our minds. We must hold our words and ask for the Holy Spirit's direction as to the proper season for each word.
#2 Words Bring Satisfaction
Proverbs 12:14 - "A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth..."
The cry of the world at the present time is - "I can't get no Satisfaction." Yet, the Scriptures very clearly show us that one avenue of finding fulfillment in life is through our words. Good words will build a good account in our lives. We will enjoy that which is pleasant, agreeable, valuable, rich, and appropriate because of our good words.
A question to ask ourselves at this time is - How much good have we forfeited throughout our lives because of negative words of doubt, unbelief, and fear? Or because of murmuring and complaining? We could have enjoyed so much good if it was not for our own words. This is something to seriously consider, isn't it?
#3 Words Bring Honor and Respect
Proverbs 16:13 - "Righteous lips are the delight of kings, and they love him that speaketh right."
Proverbs 24:26 - "Every man shall kiss his lips that giveth a right answer."
Honesty and sincerity of speech gain the hearts of men. Oftentimes people will give their "Kiss of Allegiance" as well as their affection and respect to those who speak plainly, straightforwardly, and correctly - rather than deceitfully and with much guile. We will generally win the favor of all men in high and low places when we consistently give honest answers and speak with frankness and sincerity.
#4 Words Are Beautiful Ornaments
Proverbs 25:11-12 - "A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver. As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear."
We can all reflect on words that were spoken in our past that were so appropriate for the moment. Perhaps a parent, teacher, minister, or coach saw a talent in us and encouraged us with kind and loving words
which brought us to where we are today.
What about the times when we felt that we were "Going Under the Waves" or "Down For the Last Count", and "a word fitly spoken" turned the circumstances around and brought the breakthrough?
Or what about the times when we felt that our work was in vain, and a letter or a note of encouragement came - expressing to us our effectiveness and fruitfulness in others' lives?
These were and ever remain moments to treasure. They are like "apples of gold in pictures of silver" - ever displayed on the walls of our memory. They are precious jewels like "an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold" - always to be treasured in our lifetime.
#5 Words Are Tools in Our Construction
Ecclesiastes 12:11 - "The words of the wise are as goads, and as nails fastened by the masters of assemblies..."
There is a Children's Chorus that goes like this -
"He's still working on me,
To make me what I ought to be,
It took Him just a week to make the moon and the stars,
The Sun, the Earth, and Jupiter, and Mars,
How loving and patient He must be,
He's still working on me."
The Apostle Paul in Ephesians 2:10 tells us - "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them."
Again, in 1 Corinthians 3:9, he refers to us as - "God's Husbandry" and as "God's Building."
"God's Husbandry" - God uses the "words of the wise" which are based on His Holy Word in our lives as the farmer would use a goad on an ox who is drawing a plough. The goad is a pointed instrument that is used to spur the ox into action. Even so, "the words of the wise" are likened unto "goads" in our lives to prod us forward whenever we because dull in the spirit and to spur us to action.
"God's Building" - God uses the "nails fastened by the masters of assemblies" to establish us as an edifice for His glory and praise. "The masters of assemblies" are the preachers or the teachers of His Word. Their preaching and teaching of the Truth is likened unto firmly embedded nails that remain fixed in our memories. They are Truths to which we can affix our lives securely. Whenever we become wavering or inconsistent, these firmly embedded nails of Truth establish and strengthen us as a sturdy building for the Lord.
We have seen that words have a timing. They bring satisfaction to our lives. They bring honor and respect. They are beautiful ornaments. They are tools in our construction.
Job's very timely words for this particular message are recorded in Job 6:25 - "How forcible are right words!"
In other words, our words carry much weight in our lives and leave lasting impressions on ourselves as well as others.
Let's consider our words today.
What effect are they having on our lives and the lives of others?
Proverbs 15:23 tells us - "A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth..."
May our words always bring us everlasting joy and satisfaction! May they always and evermore bring about God's desired intent for our lives!
