"Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." Colossians 3:16-17 NKJV
What we say is very important; what comes out of our mouths can be a blessing or a curse. It can bless or do damage to the listener. Be careful. I remember someone telling me a story some time ago. Where I live, is near to the Jurassic Coast, famous for fossils, dinosaurs and other such historical and geological bits and pieces. The story goes that this chap was standing right on the very edge of one of these, very high and dangerous cliffs. A crowd were calling to him to come back but he wouldn't. Suddenly, a Christian chap ran over to him and they spent a long while in deep conversation, the result being they both jumped off.
You may be shocked or even smile at this story but, take on board, that in our haste to speak with someone in such a position, the wrong things can be said. We need wisdom. You may not come up against such a situation as this, but the very ordinary day to day things are equally as important and words of wisdom need to be uttered so that a major fall-out doesn't take place.
Our words are important and we need to be careful what we say. However, on the other hand, we need to listen carefully to what is being said. When we visit a friend's house, they may say something such as, 'make your self comfortable'. This doesn't mean that we can shoot upstairs, get in their bed and have a snooze or watch some TV. Do you know what I mean? By saying this, they just want us to be comfortable and at ease.
We really need to be in control of what we say and what comes out of our mouths. Proverbs 15:1 says, 'A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.' It is very true. Check out some more:
'A fool's lips enter into contention' and his mouth calls for blows. A fool's mouth is his destruction' and his lips are the snare of his soul' Proverbs 18:6-7.
'He who answers a matter before he hears it, it is folly and shame to him.' Proverbs 18:13.
'A man's stomach shall be satisfied from the fruit of his mouth, from the produce of his lips he shall be filled. Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit' Proverbs 18:20-21.
Whatever we do or say, should be in direct line with the Holy Spirit. He is our guide and He always leads us into the truth. Therefore, let us re-channel our words to fit into His plans for our lives. 'Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.' Ephesians 4:29
The bible is God's word to us and carries many regulations and guidelines. This last verse is one of the guidelines. Practice this and you will not go wrong, because you will be imparting grace to the hearer.
Copyriight 2021 Grahame Howard
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