Make your words count
2020-11-02Proverbs 18:4 NLT
When Proverbs 18 talks about ‘deep waters’, it paints a picture of a deep well or pool where water is often the cleanest, coolest, and most refreshing. The deeper the water, the more layers of earth it’s had to go through. Those layers act like a natural filter, helping to remove impurities and purifying the water. And we need to try and filter our words so the things we’re saying to others are truthful, refreshing, and from a heart of love.
One good sign of wisdom and maturity is that we’re able to say the right thing, in the right way, at the right time, to the right person – and to know when to say nothing at all. We can think that saying the right thing means we have to avoid criticism and say what we think someone wants to hear, but that might do more harm than good in the long run. Choosing to say the right thing isn’t always easy or comfortable. When we look from God’s perspective, saying the right thing might sometimes mean having a difficult conversation in order to help someone see that they’re following the wrong path in life, or giving constructive criticism, as long as it’s coming from a place of love. There may also be times when it’s best to say nothing. Proverbs 17:27 tells us: ‘The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even-tempered’ (NIV).
We need to check with God before we speak, especially if it’s a difficult conversation, to make sure that it’s appropriate and right. Our words have the power to build people up or to wound them badly, so we need to make sure we’re using them wisely and with love.