Proverbs 18.21
“Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit—you choose.”
This week we start a series on communication.
Communication is one of the most important things we do every day. All relationships—personal and professional—depend on effective communication. This is true for marriage, parenting, friendship, leadership, teamwork, and coaching. We spend most of our waking time sending and receiving messages.
Words are the currency of human interaction. This is God’s design. The Lord created is to use words to ask questions, give directions, and explain things. We use words to encourage people and challenge people. We use words to express approval and appreciation, and we use words to communicate disapproval and disappointment.
At the heart of every great relationship is effective communication and the wise use of words.
The opposite is also true. When we use words the wrong way, communication breaks down, and when communication breaks down relationships are damaged, alignment is weakened, and the health of the marriage or family or team suffers. As Proverbs says, “Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit—you choose.”
Words are very powerful things, much more powerful than many of us realize. God calls you to choose your words wisely. If you want a productive and effective life, it is necessary to be disciplined in your speech and use what you say for the benefit and encouragement of others.
“The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.” (Proverbs 15.28)
Being careful and wise about your words applies to face-to-face conversations, as well as online messages. This includes texts, emails, tweets, IG and Facetime posts, and comments in online forums. I am greatly disheartened by much of what is being posted online. Actually, disheartened isn’t strong enough. Mortified is more accurate.
Scripture provides many instructions on how to be disciplined and effective in your speech, and offers repeated admonitions that warn us not to speak foolishly. Throughout scripture—especially in the Book of Proverbs—the Lord gives timeless advice about being disciplined in what we say, how we say it, and why.
More tomorrow …
“He who loves purity of heart, and whose speech is gracious, will have the king as his friend.” (Proverbs 22.11)
