Words

An exhortation from Paul to Timothy: "Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity." - 1 Timothy 4:12 (ESV)

"Nothing bridges the generation gap in the church like the spiritual maturity of the younger." - Philip H. Towner (Commentary on 1-2 Timothy & Titus)

We all know or should know the frequency with which scripture addresses our words; the audible communications that are so good about revealing the state of our heart. We studied the verse above in growth group last week, and I think it is important to notice what Paul mentions first in his list of five things Timothy should set an example in as he seeks to fight false teachers and unite the church in Ephesus.

"So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt water? Can a fig tree, my brothers, bear olives, or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can a salt pond yield fresh water." - James 5-12

"There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing." - Proverbs 12:18

So many areas of my life lately seem to point to the importance of having control over my speech in a godly manner. (I may even try to pass part of this off as an excuse for not having posted on my blog for a month or two . . . or three.) When we confess sin, the words we use and the order we use them in are important; when we approach a brother who has sinned against us, the words we use to address him will often be a key to successfully winning him back or pushing him further into sin; when a single man begins a conversation with a single woman, the words he uses will reveal his amount of discipline or lack thereof; when a young man discusses issues with an elderly man, the words he uses can create bridges of trust and respect or widen what may already be a gaping chasm; when parents discipline their child, the words they use can help to sanctify that child or continue to harden the heart of that child; and when we worship as a corporate body, the words we say together can move us forward in establishing God's kingdom on earth or it can cause us to give ground to the enemy.

I wish for this post to be more thought provoking for those who read it than just a discussion of my own thoughts on the subject. So, I will end with some verses from a song I greatly appreciate by Dave Irish and a couple encouraging promises from our ever-faithful God.

"Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can break my heart.
With words we tear down men and praise our God.
Words can set a war on fire, heal a heart with love.
There's power in all that words are made of.
May my words be vessels of your love.
Words that testify of who you really are.
Words that seek to heal and restore.
That's what words are, that's what words are for."

"Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment." - Proverbs 12:19
"My lips will pour forth praise, for you teach me your statutes. My tongue will sing of your word, for all your commandments are right." - Psalm 119:171-172