Words Reveal
This is proving to be one of my most active weeks in recent months. I had a breakfast meeting this morning and then came home and took a nap. That was actually my first one in three days, which is a little unusual. I find myself evaluating any remaining Myasthenia Gravis affects on my body. This is the nuro-muscular disorder that can impact my level of energy and create fatigue. I was able to get back to work in my home office and then get a good work out in this afternoon at the fitness center.
Tomorrow I plan on attending an event in the morning and then traveling to Denver for an appointment. I’m glad the weather has continued to cooperate.
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Those who are sure of themselves do not talk all the time. People who stay calm have real insight. After all, even fools may be thought wise and intelligent if they stay quiet and keep their mouths shut.” Proverbs 17:27
I like this Proverb. Perhaps it is because of my political background. Perhaps it is because I do enjoy conversation. (It seems these words relate more to using words in relationship, than just in conversation.) It is interesting to survey number of verses of Proverbs scattered throughout the book that have to do with “words.” You will find reference to thoughtful, kind, wicked, wise, friendly, pleasant, misleading, seductive…words. Proverbs talks about the “words of the wise” and the “words of the fool.” We find Proverbs about the impact and importance of words.
I believe what you find is that “words reveal.” How we use our words, in quantity and quality can say something about our lives. Is our focus on others or ourselves? Do our words attempt to constantly impress, or are our words designed to show that, ” I am right and you are wrong.”
Consider Proverbs 18:1,2, “People who do not get along with others are interested only in themselves; they will disagree with what everyone else knows is right.A fool does not care whether he understands a thing or not; all he wants to do is show how smart he is.”
We find the New Testament contains several admonitions about our words as well. For example, “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” (Colossians 4:6) “Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.” (Ephesians 4:29) The Book of James contains some straight forward comments about the irony and importance of the “tongue.” (James 3:1-12) James says, “the tongue must be tamed” because it sets the direction of our life and reveals the inward nature of the heart.
Jesus Himself spoke of how words reveal when He said, “…For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.” (Luke 6:45) All of this calls us to the daily challenge to evaluate how we use our words. Do they hurt or heal? Do they tear down, or build up? Do they show wisdom or foolishness? That is why our constant prayer needs to be, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.” (Psalm 19:14)