JULY 2024.
Like bird watching, word watching can be a worthwhile pastime that can result in the identification of things that might not have otherwise been seen. As many of the Proverbs help us see, our words can be helpful or harmful, constructive or destructive, so it is well worthwhile watching our words (Proverbs 16:24; Proverbs 18:7; Proverbs 10:19-21; Proverbs 12:18-19).
Having an infant child in our home is a reminder to our family that language skills are developed over time. Words are inevitably learnt, but the Bible teaches us that wisdom needs to increase alongside our vocabulary. If we don’t grow in wisdom, we are at risk of causing great destruction with our tiny tongues, like a forest fire that is started by a small flame (James 3). Instead of starting forest fires with our words, we need to learn what to say and what not to say, and when to speak and when to be quiet. In all of these things, Jesus set the perfect example. His were words of healing and the Bible calls us to follow in His ways. Ephesians 4:29 says, “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.”
Are our words good for building up, or do they break others down? Do we use our words graciously or manipulatively? Do we know when to speak and when it is better to say nothing at all? I don’t know about you, but at times I find that I am still growing in wisdom when it comes to my tongue, and you may well say the same. My prayer for all of us is that we do indeed grow in wisdom when it comes to our words so that those who hear us will hear the words of Christ speaking through us, that He may be glorified in everything we say.
