Words matter. I taught my children that when they were little. Words are powerful because they shape reality. The first words we know came from the mouth of God and brought our universe into being. “And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light.” (Gen.1:3) Jesus is the living form of God’s words, Truth itself walking among us. “In the beginning was the Word; and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (John 1:1) And again, reality conformed to His utterance, turning inside-out everything under the sun and transforming it by His resurrection power: “It is finished….Behold, I am making all things new.” (John 19:30, Revelation 21:5) Words are no small things, however much we take them for granted.
Words shape a person’s reality too– the direction we grow, how we see ourselves, the way we handle life all molded by the words of the people around us. A picture is worth a thousand words perhaps, but just the right word can change the picture entirely. So speak with care. It is a frightful power, this ability to build up or destroy– it mimics the power of the Creator Whose image we bear.
No wonder that without love our words are like a clanging cymbal. No wonder that Solomon’s wise proverbs spend so much ink addressing what comes out of our mouths. No wonder that James compares the tongue to a raging fire, and the beast least likely to be tamed in this world.
Words also matter because they reveal what is in our hearts. Maybe that is why James also says that controlling our tongue is a clear proof of our faith, the litmus test for Jesus-followers. If Christ’s love and grace has taken up residence inside, the tongue will surely show it. For the only way to tame the tongue is to let God tame our very nature, fill that fountain with Living Water so that it flows sweet and clear.
Lord make me mindful of my words; may I speak words that build safe places for others, that refresh and encourage, and point to You.
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen”. Ephesians 4:29
“Whoever guards his mouth and his tongue keeps his soul from troubles.” Proverbs 21:23