Pastor's Ponderings, September 10, 2018

Let Us Choose Our Words With Wisdom

In 1989, Cher sang, “If I Could Turn Back Time.” Some of the lyrics were, “If I could turn back time. If I could find a way, I'd take back those words that hurt you and you'd stay.”  How many times have we said things that sounded much wittier and cooler in our head, but were terrible when they came out?  We may be quick to say that we did not mean it that way, but the damage has been already been done, moods have darkened and as a result, relationships have deteriorated. 

The Bible says that our words should be gracious and pleasant (Colossians 4:6). We should always speak the truth, but we should speak it in love.  When we do, we become more like Christ (Ephesians 4:15).  Our words are so important that the Bible says that well-spoken words are like apples of gold in a silver setting (Proverbs 25:11).

The Bible says that we should use our words to bring a blessing to others and not a cursing (Proverbs 18:21) since we can cause great harm with an ill chosen comment.  Although we cannot turn back time to take back our hurtful statements, we can ask God to help us to watch our words (Psalm 141:3) so that we can be an encouragement to others and a help to those who need our reassurance. What kinds of words will you speak this week?

Colossians 4:6
Amplified Bible (AMP)

6 Let your speech at all times be gracious and pleasant, seasoned with salt, so that you will know how to answer each one [who questions you].

Ephesians 4:15
New International Version (NIV)

15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.

Proverbs 25:11
Amplified Bible (AMP)

11 Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a word spoken at the right time.

Proverbs 18:21
New International Version (NIV)

21The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.

Psalm 141:3
New International Version (NIV)

3 Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.