Part 5, Speaking Cautiously

Sticks and stones may break my bones
But words will never hurt me.


Lies, lies, lies. Words don’t hurt our bodies, but they penetrate deep into our souls and they either give life or suck the life out of us. Words can be like a refreshing summer rain quenching the thirst of a dry flower bed. Or they can be like a swarm of small termites which slowly eat away at a giant oak tree until it is so hollow inside that it comes crashing to the ground.

When you are offended by something someone does or says, watch your tongue. Your natural tendency will be to say something to someone. The tongue is small, but it is powerful. Remember James caution?

How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! (James 3:5)

Word once spoken can be like hand-grenades tossed into a battle zone. The can cause destruction that is irrevocable. You can’t take them back. You can try, you might even be forgiven, but the damage has been done. James compares the tongue to untamable wild beast, and says it is full of deadly poison (James 3:1-13).

In your offended state you are liable to think some nasty things about the person… they may even be true and the person may even deserve it. But don’t pollute your mouth (or your e-mail) by hitting the send button. Whenever I am tempted to spout out some poison I sit down and write out a nasty e-mail or letter…I let it all out. Then I sit back, take a deep breath and hit delete button. Then I physically get up, walk away from the situation (if I can) and prayerfully consider a wiser approach.

The bottom line is watch your words. Too many, too quick, too close to the situation will often get you in trouble. The Proverbs offer some great nuggets about speaking cautiously, check out these nuggets of truth (NLT):

Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut. (10:19)

The words of the wicked are like a murderous ambush, but the words of the godly save lives. (12:6)

Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing. Truthful words stand the test of time, but lies are soon exposed. (12:18-19)

A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare. The tongue of the wise makes knowledge appealing, but the mouth of a fool belches out foolishness. (15:1-2)

Everyone enjoys a fitting reply; it is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time! (15:23)

Kind words are like honey-- sweet to the soul and healthy for the body. (16:24)

A truly wise person uses few words; a person with understanding is even-tempered. Even fools are thought wise when they keep silent; with their mouths shut, they seem intelligent. (17:27-28)

Wise words are like deep waters; wisdom flows from the wise like a bubbling brook. (18:4)