Words

The Power of Words: The Joke Of Life
In a way, biblical statements about the right and wrong use of the tongue are easy to preach on. They require little explanation, and the hearers know from experience that they are true. In another way, however, the statements are difficult to preach on, because preachers are as likely to err as anyone else. People have succeeded in taming birds and other animals, but no one has succeeded in taming the tongue.

We all know the truth of the saying,”When words are many, transgression is not lacking”, and therefore we should discipline ourselves to use words sparingly and selectively. The problem may not be that we set out to injure someone (though there are times when that is the case), but that our ability to control the tongue is not as good as we thought.

Words need not be directed at a particular person in order to do damage. They can do damage even when overheard by someone outside the circle of conversation. Ugly words stick in the mind — which is one reason why we must be especially careful of the words we use within the hearing of children. But fine words also stick in the mind, and every time we say something worthwhile, it could have unexpected and lasting benefit in the life of someone who is listening.

Fine words are therefore of priceless value:”the tongue of the righteous is choice silver”, “the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel”, and “a word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver”. It is sobering to remember what Jesus said about giving account of our words in the day of judgment, but that ought not to make us timid. God wants us to use our tongues helpfully but truthfully. “The tongue of the wise brings healing” and “truthful lips endure forever”.

Links About The Tongue