Our Words Matter
The Proverbs are crystal clear on the subject of our speech. Our words MATTER! God WILL hold us accountable for EVERY one of them! I don’t know about you but this could leave me shaking in my shoes if not for grace. We throw words around like they have no value.
In a recent TV series I was watching, this was said: People live and die by their words. They shape our thoughts and deeds, and often they define us. Like bullets once fired, we can’t take them back. They have impact so choose them wisely. Make them meaningful, of a life worthy of them, especially your last words. They out live us. Sometimes even TV can impact us profoundly for good if we listen. Our words matter.
Integrity vs Deceit
Integrity is a family value for us. We do not tolerate deceit well at all. When my children were small they learned quickly that if they were honest, discipline was tempered a great deal. But, to lie on top of a choice to do wrong compounded the punishment exponentially. The head of our household was known for his integrity in business and he expected no less from his wife, children, employees, and others with whom he did business in the community.
Proverbs 12 compares and contrasts deceitfulness (lying) to righteousness and emphasizes that wisdom (fear of the LORD) is commended both by God and our fellow man.
To not tell the truth is to be considered an enemy of the LORD for Satan is the author of lies. He uses lies to instigate destruction of the souls of man. It is his native language. (John 8:44) This destruction is both current and eternal. Our words matter.
Personal Inventory
Proverbs speaks of both what to say and what not to say. It is summed up, I believe, in Proverbs 12:17-19, 22: He who speaks truth declares righteousness, but a false witness, deceit. There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, but the tongue of the wise promotes health. The truthful lip shall be established forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment….Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD, but those who deal truthfully are His delight. Proverbs 13:3 also is a good reminder: He who guards his mouth preserves his life, but he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction. James 1:19 should be our rule of thumb: Therefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, SLOW TO SPEAK, slow to anger…. James says this because, the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity, it defiles the whole body, ….it (the tongue) is set on fire by hell. Our words matter.
Our words reveal what is in our heart and is a good way for us to check our own spirituality.
(Proverbs 4:23, James 3:9, Matthew 12:34)
Integrity Test
Want to take a personal integrity test? The following scriptures are just in PROVERBS!
What to say What not to say
Prov 2:3 Proverbs 1:11-14
Prov 9:8b-9 Prov 2:12b,16
Prov 15:1a, 23, 28 Prov 3:28
Prov 16:1, 21, 24, 32 Prov 4:24
Prov 17:27-28. Prov 6:1-2, 9
Prov 20:15 Prov 10:19
Prov 21:23 Prov 15:1b
Prov 27:25 Prov 16:28.
Prov 17:5, 20
Prov 18:8,13
Prov 19:5, 9
Prov 20:22
Prov 25:18
Prov 26:20b, 22, 24, 26, 28
Prov 27:2,14
Measuring Up
Proverbs 18: 4, 21 tells us how to interpret our score: The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters; the wellspring of wisdom is a flowing brook. Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.
Proverbs 25:11 is one last reminder: A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver. They have great worth to all who hear them. Indeed, they are either a tree of life or a crushing to the spirit. (Prov 15:4) Mine the Proverbs for the treasures buried there.
Psalm 19:14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight. O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer Our words matter.
He Speaks Wisdom by Refined Ministry
additional reading:
Meant to mention that I love the group on the video!!!! Beautiful and relevant song! 🙌
This is perfect timing for “Our Words Matter”! Our words reveal out heart!!! Thanks for the scripture references and the powerful message!