A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver – Proverbs 25:11 (NKJV)
In the last blog on this topic, we talked about how life has dealt heavy blows to many people. And how many have been seriously wounded by what life dealt them.
Whether it’s a failed marriage or relationship. A messy and painful divorce. A costly legal battle. Bitter family feuds. The loss of a pregnancy. A sickness resulting in some form of disability. A failed business. A victim of someone else’s mistake. Death of a loved one. A failed ministry. We can confidently say that during one’s journey here on earth, life may not be very kind to many.
The words we speak really matter. Wisdom calls for us to be careful with what we say especially to those who are going through tough times, and those despairing of life. It is important that we weigh our words carefully before voicing or uttering them.
The words we speak can bring encouragement, faith, healing and hope. On the other hand, if we lack wisdom, tact and thoughtfulness, our words can make a very difficult situation worse. God knows I have been guilty of this on many occasions! “…Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.” Ephesians 4:29 (NLT)
When we meet or learn of family or friends who are dealing with life issues, we need to be extra sensitive to their situation. We can bring encouragement by sending and speaking comforting and hope-filled words or messages.
Our words of encouragement can be a scripture, a song, or a poem. We can do this via a phone call, an email, a text message, a card or a note. I believe and I’m convinced this is what the bible means by “a word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.” Proverbs 25:11 (NKJV)
“A soothing tongue [speaking words that build up and encourage] is a tree of life, But a perversive tongue [speaking words that overwhelm and depress] crushes the spirit.” Proverbs 15:4 (AMP)
When we bring encouragement to grieving people, let our words be seasoned and filled with the truth of God’s word. Let us remember that the word of God is alive and active. Like food to the stomach, the word of God satisfies. Like cold water to a dry and patched throat, the word of God refreshes. The word of God dispels all darkness, and it cleanses.
The example of Job’s friends should be enough to teach us not to be too quick to draw conclusions about the plight of people. Job himself was guilty of drawing rash conclusions about God and he confessed, “…I have [rashly] uttered that which I did not understand, Things too wonderful for me, which I did not know.” Job 42:3 (AMP)
Jesus said, “…The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit and they are life” John 6:63 (NKJV). Let’s learn to speak life to hurting people.
Stay blessed,
LaraLex
Hills and Valleys 