Are Our Words Reckless Or Wise?

“Are Our Words Reckless Or Wise?”

By Zach Wood

Proverbs 12:18

“Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”

In our weekly small group, we are studying the book of James and we just covered chapter 3 where James talks about taming the tongue.  It’s a great and powerful passage encouraging us that words have such an impact in our lives.  This passage in Proverbs is one we looked at that also talks about how powerful words can be. 

We use words every day and all through the day many times.  Some of us have jobs where we are talking to people all day long and others have jobs where communication is a little more limited, depending on where you are and what you do.  Regardless, we all use many words each day, whether we are talking to family, friends, co-workers or even strangers. 

I have to wonder how conscious we are all being when we talk to others.  Do we really think about what we are going to say before it escapes our lips?  Are we being wise in what we say and how we say things to others?  James is very clear that our words can be like a forest fire if we use them in negative ways.  Those fires can spread fast!  Of course we don’t want that to happen, but when emotions run high, it’s amazing what comes from us. 

This passage in Proverbs says a lot about the things we say to others and how the words can affect, either negatively or positively.  We are all different in many ways and we take things differently depending on who is talking to us and how the person is using their voice.  Many factors go into each conversation and the intentions behind the words.  As followers of Jesus Christ, we are to be encouraging and benefiting those who listen to us as Paul told the church in Ephesus.  We should be imitators of the Almighty God Whom we serve. 

No matter what our circumstances, we should be striving to be positive and encouraging through all our conversations with others.  I want to be that way more and I hope that you all do as well.  It’s tough when we experience difficult discussions with others where we disagree, but we must always remember to do our best to be encouraging.  Reckless words can emotionally scar people for life.  Are we thinking before we speak?