Scripture is full of examples and instructions that tell us the power of words. They have the power to build up and to tear down. The right words can help improve a situation and they can make it much, much worse.
I came across two such examples in Proverbs 16 today:
From a wise mind comes wise speech; the words of the wise are persuasive. Kind words are like honey – sweet to the soul and healthy for the body. – Proverbs 16:23-24.
There is a lot packed into these two verses. Our words can be persuasive when used correctly. Of course, we often try to use our words to convince others to think the way we think or to do what we want them to do. This verse reminds us that if we are wise, our speech will be wise. Then, our wise speech will persuade others toward wise actions.
But the next verse talks about kind words. It says that they are good for us. I would say that they are good for both the recipient of the kind words as well as the speaker of the kind words. They feed our souls and refresh both speaker and hearer.
I wonder if the combination of BOTH is actually the goal? That we should speak the correct words in a kind manner? Could it be that the wisest way to speak is to speak kindly? Could it be that it is the addition of kindness which makes words that are merely “correct” turn into words that are truly “wise”? I think you’ll find that thought as you read through Proverbs and many other places. We are told in Ephesians to ”speak the truth in love”. I think that is a great summary of Proverbs 16:23-24.
We all have failed to do one or the other. We have spoken “correct” words that did not persuade. I always tell my kids, “it’s not the words you say, it is how you say them.” We have also probably spoken very kind words, but have failed to include the content that really needs spoken. When that happens, we have failed to really “have the conversation”.
Please pray that I would more naturally and consistently speak the truth in love.
