The definition of ‘word’ is ‘verbal signal.’ Words are not only verbal signals, but they also trigger what some call a ‘biochemical response’ and can be used by powers to be, to modify behavior.
Because of this a wise man will use words wisely. His words will be calm and rational, not emotional. He/she will be a person who thinks before speaking.
Proverbs 15:28 “The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil.”
Proverbs 17:27 “A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered.”
How often we have spoken out of an emotional trauma, hurt, quarrel and we later wish that we had used instead words that were gentle and peaceful.
Proverbs 15:1 “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
Proverbs 15:18 “A hot-tempered man stirs up dissension, but a patient man calms a quarrel.”
Opinion makers in our society (these are people who use words to make a living: news broadcaster, lawyers, judges, politicians, teachers, etc.) have used words to persuade people in a certain way. A wise man will also use words to persuade a person but towards godly thoughts and ways.
Proverbs 25:15 “Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone.”
We live in a world filled with hate, pain and suffering but the “God of all comfort” wants to use us to bring comfort through our words knowing that a word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver. (Proverbs 25:11)
Jesus told us that “out of the abundance of the heart we speak” so we know that the source of our words will come from who we are; from our character. We are born with a personality, but not with a character. Character is formed as we respond to what comes our way daily. Proverbs tells us to keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life. (Proverbs 4:23)
Jesus said that “a good tree will produce good fruit, for a tree is recognized by its fruit.” (Matthew 13:33)
Jesus went on to say “out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks,” and so Proverbs tells us that the mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked.” (Proverbs 10:11)
“The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death.” Proverbs 13:14
Instead of finding the positive aspect of a mouth speaking words that bring life, we find pride that “only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is found in those who take advice.” (Proverbs 13:10)
We often hear about “hate speech” not realizing that this hate speech comes from “a malicious man disguising himself with his lips, but in his heart he harbors deceit.” (Proverbs 26:24)
I personally have appreciated this Proverbs study on the use of words and many times it has brought me under conviction for how careless I have been with words. How often I have given advice when not asked and seen it fall on deaf ears. One thing that this study on ‘words’ has done is to make me think more before responding, pray more instead of talking, listen more and speak less. Perhaps this should be our New Year resolution.
May this New Year 2017 be a year of great advancement in the things of God and the extension of His Kingdom!