This past week I heard a very prominent pastor degrade a leading woman Bible teacher. I sat there in disbelief listening to the hurtful words. I’m not here to debate the theology behind what he said, although I think it’s important to know what you believe and to be like the Bereans (Acts 17:11) and examine the scriptures.
What I want to talk about is how our words matter, how we say things matters.
Max Lucado says, “Tone matters. It matters in a nation. It matters in a home. And, it matters in the church. When we don’t agree, we must do so in love. Words can wound. Comments have consequences.”
Today more than ever, we need to watch what we say and how we say it. I have been guilty of not watching my words. I have wounded with my words.
While I can repent, I can’t take the words back.
Many people use a tube of toothpaste as an analogy of our words. Once you squeeze the toothpaste out, you can’t put it back in the tube. Our words are like toothpaste. Once the words leave your mouth, you can’t take them back.
Our words carry weight. We can use our words to hurt, demean, and wound others. Or we can use our words to heal, encourage, and love others.
Scripture has a lot to say about our words.
Death and life are in the power of the tongue. Proverbs 18:21
The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit. Proverbs 15:4
Evil words destroy one’s friends; wise discernment rescues the godly. Proverbs 11:9
Whoever derides their neighbor has no sense, but the one who has understanding holds their tongue. Proverbs 11:12
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1
Kind words are like honey-sweet to the soul and healthy for the body. Proverbs 16:24
This week let’s be intentional with our words. Let’s use our words to heal, encourage, and love.
Increase Our Love, Lord!
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Cyndi, thank you for sharing your heart on this. I am grieved over this as well; not only did this person make these cruel comments, the other men in attendance clapped an laughed. And I am pretty sure no apology will be forthcoming. This lady has led so many women—including me—to strengthen their walk with the Lord. My heart breaks.
This is perfect. I needed to share this with some people at work this week. Thank you for taking the time to share it. Have a bless week!
So timely; I woke up the next morning just grieved over the damage done with the words spoken. I was reminded of the influence that God gives us and how we can use it to help and heal, or to hinder and hurt. Thank you for sharing Godly wisdom and for His Word that is so powerful for “teaching us what is true, and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives…it corrects us when we are wrong, and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip His people to do every good work” (2 Tim. 3:16) — so beautiful how you reminded us of what He wants us to do with our words! Thank you for the beautiful post and for your sweet heart and sensitivity to how we need to show the love of Jesus to the world around us (with our words)!
Thank you for this thoughtful, beautifully written post. I, too, have wounded with words. One particular instance is my greatest regret. I have apologized, but the damage was done.
I love the toothpaste analogy.
well said our mouth can get us into so much trouble. unfortunately social media makes it hard to hide those words or pretend it didnt happen because it is there for the world to see. Have a wonderful week
My mother always said, sometimes it’s not what you say but HOW you say it.
I truly believe that criticism should ALWAYS be private, one on one conversations…with the intent to improve performance of an employee…not embarrass or belittle them.
Cyndi,
So true our words do not just evaporate into
The air. I wanted to say that I just purchased a book for my grandson . The title is Words To Love By . It is a book by Rick Warren. It’s a great book .
Shine like a diamond
Cindy J
Thank you Cyndi for this post! You are so very right, and this post is so timely! I know the Lord used you in posting this!! May the words of our mouth and the meditation of our heart always be pleasing to Him.
Thank you for this post. It’s so important to use kind words not just in general but especially for those of us who are blessed to work in a church environment.
Our minister spoke about this not long ago. One of the things he brought out also was that what we say to someone says more about me than the person to whom I am directing my comments!!
My husband uses the illustration likening words to nails pounded into a fence. You can pull out the nails, but you can’t close the hole they leave. Even if we apologize and try to make amends, our words can leave wounds that don’t mend…
Thx, Cyndi, for your encouraging words.
Thank you Cyndi for these words. My sis and I were just talking about this yesterday so I love how our Lord speaks to us through out our day. He spoke to me through you today by you sharing scripture and sharing your thoughts- thank you! 💕😘🙏🏻
Amen Sister friend! As I’ve gotten older I have chosen to walk away at times and def held my tongue when I’ve wanted to say something I’d regret later. You are so right about our words and our tone. It can damage adults as well as children.
Thank you for today’s post!
Thank you so much for this reminder, we all need to hear this and take it to our hearts! God bless you for All you do! Have a wonderful day today!
Thank you for you sweet reminders. Tone does matter, it can entirely change what we are trying to say. Pray, breath, and then speak, is a way I try to remember as I’m attempting to get a point across that’s important to me. Guess what…I stayed in my pj’s all day too! It was rainy and cold down in Louisiana too and I needed to get a lot of house stuff done. haha
This was just what I needed to hear today Cyndi! Thank you for your loving thoughts about the power of our words. I so appreciate the bible passages you find and the songs that bring such hope!
Thank you Cyndi for this message. Our words are powerful and I want my words to reflect the power of Gods Word. It’s a constant discipline. Several years ago I began underlining every Scripture in my Bible that addresses the tongue and mouth.. It’s amazing how often God speaks to us about our words in Scripture. My words have the power to bring life or death to others as well as to myself. You’re a blessing to me dear Cyndi! 🙏🏻❤️🙏🏻
I have learned so much from this Bible teacher. She is a personal favorite. I felt his words were cruel and uncalled for.
Your post is spot on and a good reminder to me. All the verses in the Bible on my words and the tongue have always spoken to me.
Thank you for this reminder. I struggle daily with my words being kind enough, uplifting enough and non- judgmental. My go to verse is : Psalm 141:3 Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.
I plan to use your post today in my weekly Senior Citizen Bible study. Watching what we say & how we say it is appropriate for all ages. Thank-you, Cyndi💝
I love the words of this Psalm. I went right to Etsy and found some beautiful versions that are printable because it is now my go-to verse!
Thank you!
I recently said something to a co-worker that she completely took the wrong way. I was under stress from a couple of clients and didn’t have time to properly help her with a work problem. I pray every day before entering the office that I can be God’s daughter above anything else. Thankfully, he loves us deeply and has a forgiving heart. We must also forgive ourselves and do better the next day. I love what one lady commented – Pray, breathe, and then speak. Thank you, Cyndi, for a very timely and God inspired post.
Thank you Cyndi..these are great verses to remind us about our words and tongue. Our pastor has had a few messages on our tongue lately as it relates to gossip.
Blessings
Karen❤️
Very True
Well said, my friend.
Love this post. Not always what you say but how you say it.