Even just my words have great value.
“23The heart of the wise makes his speech judicious and adds persuasiveness to his lips. 24Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.” – Proverbs 16:23-24 (ESV)
The wisdom of the Lord brought me to read in Proverbs this morning. These verses bring out to me the value of choosing my words carefully. When asked, and when speaking, I find myself often taking a moment. I begin by thinking of the “right” words to say as opposed to just blurting out a response or rhetoric. I realize the value of what I say and how I say it and the impact it will have on the individual as well as the situation.
I am grateful for the Lord and his wisdom to remind me of the patience and thoughtfulness needed when speaking and communicating. It is important that I continue to choose my communications carefully so as to be “judicious and add persuasiveness”. Speaking is a privilege that I have to take seriously and recognize that even small words can wreck a productive encounter.
In my ESV commentary for verses 20-24 of Proverbs 16 is this: “the wise consider their words carefully so that their words are both persuasive and good for the body and soul…Persuasiveness is a skill that can be learned and improved.”
First off, I have to continue choosing my words carefully, even to the point of knowing when to speak and not to speak as an impact to others as well as myself both physically and spiritually. And second, I am not done with my learning and growing. It is up to me to continue improving in my walk with Christ and that goes especially for the words I choose.
Are you always careful with the words you say? Have you ever really looked at those words and thought afterward, “what did I just say/do?” What are your thoughts on the value to grace of the words you choose?
Trevor's Thoughts 