"Death and
life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its
fruit." Proverbs 18:21
The power of words
should never be underestimated.
People's words have
established lives, destroyed lives, brought healing and joy, brought sickness
and misery. What we say can have massive effect upon ourselves and others.
Whoever said:
"Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt
me"... didn't know much about life. The greatest good, and the greatest
harm, lie in the power of the tongue.
This truth can be
witnessed everywhere, in every aspect of life. Have you ever thought about how
a single word from a friend or acquaintance can affect - for good or for bad -
your entire day? Even your week?
The Proverbs says
much on the power of words, highlighting the dangers and the blessings. Not
only do our words directly influence our relationship to other people, but even
our relationship to God.
It is interesting
to read the stories of highly successful people and see how other's words to
them, often in their youth, influenced the direction of their lives. Some
overcame tragic circumstances to lead exemplary lives. By the same token, many
people's lives have been shattered, their dreams tanked, by the verbal
influence of those close to them.
Of course, we don't
usually read those stories because no one really likes to write (or read) about
human failures. But they surely exist.
I remember things
spoken to me when I was a kid. Even now decades gone by, the words of those
whom I loved and cared about had seriously positive AND negative impacts on my
life. For sure, I have likewise said many things to others which have had
similar effects upon them.
The Bible often uses metaphors in teaching truths. Here the author
speaks of fruit. Just as a tree or plant is known by the fruit hanging from its
branches - either good fruit or bad fruit - so a person who speaks words is
known by those words.
Think of people you
know who speak rashly, without thought or consideration for what they are
saying. These people ramble on and on, hurling their opinion on anything and
everything, whether or not they have the right to do so. If you know someone
like this, you also know that person hurts a lot of people with his words.
Conversely, you
probably know people who seriously consider what they say BEFORE they speak.
People like this tend to have a much more positive, and encouraging effect upon
others. Their words instruct, bless, and heal others.
The fruit of speech
is serious. It's either poisonous, or nourishing.
And how does the
Bible describe good speech? Another powerful metaphor:
"Pleasant
words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones." Proverbs 16:24
As sweet and
nourishing as honey, kind words build up the spirit and the body!
We have been
entrusted with a great gift in speech, and great responsibility in our words.
Let us be sure to use them for good, to encourage, uplift, and instruct, for
the power of words is power indeed.
RS Kniep is a
strong believer in the power of wisdom to affect positive results in people's
lives. He believes all genuine wisdom, in its various forms, comes from God, as
found in His Word, the Holy Bible.
As a seeker of
wisdom from God, RS Kniep has studied both the Bible and competing views for
nearly 25 years. His work focuses on the Biblical books of Job, Psalms,
Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes.
He wishes to
communicate the "true wisdom" to genuine seekers through his writing
and speaking. You can find his articles and writings and more about him at: www.hiswisdom.com
