Words are important. They can change a bad day into a good one, make one who is sad smile. Words can also damage others. They can break up families, keep lost ones from the truth and destroy friendships, so really, they can change the course of their lives.
It is important that one is careful with their words. Here is where difficulties arise. James had some good advice on the subject of speaking when by inspiration he wrote, “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath” (James 1:19). James is telling all to listen and think before you reply, advice that most if not all need to heed.
Realizing the power of words, one must learn to control the things they say.
James also says this is a difficult thing to do (James 3:1-12). There is an old song entitled “Angry Words”. The lyrics tell of how one should never let angry words escape from their lips, but that the best impulse of the heart might check those words lest they spoil the lips. Another verse states how brightest links of life may be broken by a single angry word. How true are these words. How many times have husbands or wives said things in a moment of anger and wished so much to be able to recall those words, but it is too late. Parents have been guilty of the same thing, concerning their children. “Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold how great a matter a little fire kindleth!
(James 3:5). The tongue can be used just like a match in a dry field; one small statement can destroy friendships, families and even congregations of God’s people.
There are so many ways one can misuse words. Cursing, tale bearing, gossip, boasting, lying, are just a few ways that words can be misused. Cursing today day seems to have become a way of life for so many. It is as if they could not talk unless they used a curse word in their speech.
While it is true words can be misused, they do not have to be. In II Kings 5 there is a wonderful example of how just a few words were able to help show God to a nation of people. It is the account of Naaman a captain in the army of Syria, who was a sufferer of leprosy. His wife’s little maid spoke just a few words concerning the prophet of God. After doing as the prophet had told him Naaman made the statement, “…Behold, now I know that there is no God in all the earth, but in Israel…” (II Kings 5:15). How many do we speak to about God each day? The world needs to hear more words spoken from God’s word. They may be “Just Words” but so much depends upon them.
May we ever strive to use our words in service to God.