Read: Proverbs 18:21
I have been hearing the same message all week. "I'm sorry, I'm having trouble connecting with the server. Come back later. Well, later has come and gone many times, and Alexa is still having trouble making the connection. It's funny, after hearing the same canned answer several times, I started thinking about the words, especially the I'm sorry part of it. I smiled because the thought came to me that there was really no one there who was sorry. Simply a voice that isn't attached to anyone at all. Useless words. Like the ones we hear that our call is very important. Don't worry, this isn't another rant against AI; instead, I'm pondering my own words. The ones that I speak to communicate with others. Are they always helpful? That is what I would like, but as is true with most everyone, at times they simply roll out without thought. The book of Proverbs has many things to tell us about what we say if we want to do a bit of an assessment.
1. Do our words come because we have listened well? Or are they like someone who has cut in line rather than waiting her turn, Proverbs 18:13? Is it any wonder that we speak of "the art of Listening?" There is a beauty in that phrase. Listening gives us time to know something about someone that we might never have otherwise discovered, Proverbs 20:5. Listening well can give us insight concerning the next thing we should say which might be more helpful because of our listening.
2. Do our words spring from discernment or do they come simply because we think that we need to say something, Proverbs 17:27-28? If we have ever said something simply to be heard, we are in good company with Peter. When Jesus was transfigured, Peter suggested that he could make three shelters for Jesus, Moses and Elijah because he didn't know what to say, Luke 9:33. The good thing about being silent when we have nothing to add is that we usually have fewer word slips when we stay quiet.
3. Do our words add beauty to a situation or cause wounding? This week, I heard about a lady who was called the hug lady. At Fort Hood, she hugged each soldier as he or she was getting on the plane. She also gave out Bibles and told any who wanted to hear about Jesus love. She offered these gifts of actions and words to each one but gave them only to those who wanted to receive them. The man telling the story had never heard the Gospel presented in the way that she shared it, and her helpful words had an impact on his life.
4. Do our words express fake flattery that we really don't mean? In order to gain an advantage, Jude 1:16. In 1 Thessalonians 2:5, Paul says they were never pretenders with their words. They didn't flatter or put on a mask. There is no need to be false to people in order to get a hearing for God's truth. He is the One Who is seeking and the Holy Spirit will do His work in His time. We simply carry the treasure and hold it out for others to see.
5. Do we exaggerate a story even about God in order to impress someone? Many years ago, I received a forward that gave information that supposedly scientifically proved Joshua's long day, Joshua 10. I was so excited to share this with friends that I sent it to many people without fact checking it. Yes, you guessed it. It was a hoax, and I had to tell everyone to whom I had sent that forward that it was untrue. Testimonies about God and His love, wisdom and power don't need to be puffed. He neither needs nor does He want anyone's exaggerated or down right untrue stories as a means to make Him known. Everything that He has revealed about Himself is awesome. He is the Way, the Truth and the Life, John 14:6.
6. Are our words necessary? When we know something, does it need to be shared? Sometimes unnecessary words are reckless because they end up landing in unexpected places. Like the thrusts of a sword, Proverbs 12:18. Not helpful, but thankfully the verse goes on. The words of the wise bring healing. Like balm that soothes an injured place. Words like this help lift someone's head rather than cause his shoulders to droop down, Proverbs 12:25. Life giving words, Proverbs 18:21.
7. Do our words help a fire go out or do they throw gasoline on it, Proverbs 26:21; Proverbs 15:1. Is there anything more helpful than a gentle answer? It is sweet like the scent of the pine trees after a rain. Could there be a more helpful gift to give everyone we encounter? Whether people who belong to Jesus or those who don't yet know His love, everyone can be helped by a gentle answer and a listening ear. After all, God continues both to listen and to speak gently to us, Psalm 116:2; Psalm 103:8-11.
Lord, Teach us to speak helpful words.
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