Uses of Words

Words are a gift of God to human beings. It comes in different languages. With words, we can communicate ideas, and by words, we demonstrate what we feel inside. Words are powerful. Words reveal what is in the heart of man.

Jesus spoke of the revealing power of words. Matthew 15:18-19 reads, “But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies.”

Words can also bring sweetness and health. Solomon states, ” Pleasant words are as a honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones” in Proverbs 15:24.

In Solomon’s day, the honey made by bees from flower nectar was considered very valuable. A jar of honey on the table was a mark of great wealth. The honey contained minerals needed by the human body. It is the only natural sweet that does not need refining. Like honey, pleasant words are healthy to the inward man. It brings sweetness to the soul. Good words can also bring joy and peace.

Proverbs 15:23 teaches, ” A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!”

When needed, words of encouragement and endearment are spoken to others, bringing them joy and peace. Also, soft words can control anger. We read In Proverbs 15:1, ” A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.”

Sometimes there is friction in relationships at home, with friends and at work. Using soft words could have a calming effect and control the spirit of anger.

It was once said, “Guns are left to do what soft words might have done earlier, properly used.”

The seed of violence is harsh words. Like anything else, speech can be corrupted.

Words can be abusive, slanderous, deceitful and destructive. In our society today, good Christian testimony is somewhat questioned by our speech. Our speech determines our character.

Titus cautions us in Titus 2: 7 and 8, “In all things showing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine showing uncorruptness, gravity,sincerity, sound speech that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.”