Words Matter

WORDS MEAN A LOT TO GOD.

Really, they do. He didn’t just “think” Creation into being. When He spoke, the world began.

“The LORD merely spoke,
and the heavens were created.
He breathed the word,
and all the stars were born.”
(Psalm 33:6 NLT)

In Hebrews and Colossians, God says that it is by the power of God’s Word that the entire universe holds together… He is The Sustainer as well as The Creator. Jesus says in Matthew 24:35 “Heaven and Earth will pass away but my words will never pass away.” God’s Word is eternal.

This is what Jesus says this about man:

“The good man bring good things out of the good stored up in his heart,
and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart.”
(Matthew 12:34)

Watching fresh, amber-colored honey drizzling into my tea when my throat is sore is a childhood delight of mine. Anticipating the smoothness spreading all over my mouth and the warm liquid going down my throat… It’s so sweet and healing!

In the Proverbs, God says that “Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” (16:24)

Then there’s the unfiltered apple cider vinegar I take when I’m really sick to kill off any infection that could possibly live in my head. Cringing in dread before I swallow, I can’t  stand the bitter, acrid smell as I pour it onto the spoon!

Vinegar and its acidity often causes unpleasantness and pain to the teeth by softening and dissolving alkali of the bone (not to mention killing off everything in its path!). Bitter words, like vinegar, dissolve the strength and fortitude of the soul.

Are our words like honey, sweet to the soul, brightening to the eyes, and healing to the bone? Or are they like vinegar?

James says “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.” (James 1:19-20) When we are in difficult situations, how are we handling ourselves? Do arguments and caustic debates build people up or damage them?

“Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life.” (Philippians 2:14-16)

For more posts like this one, check out Set Apart Stains&Chains Scriptures4Students Colossians 3: The Five Vicesand Colossians 3: The Five Virtues.