I saw a study that said that the average person says about 16,000 words per day. Think about it. Literally thousands of words roll off our tongues daily. Shouldn’t that cause us to pause and take stock of what we’re saying?
The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer,
But the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things (Proverbs 15:28).
My friend does this: I ask him a question or make a random comment, and he hesitates just a moment and then he speaks. He is a man of exceptional character, and I can’t help but wonder if he’s pausing to weigh his words.
Helpful words
My nine-year-old grandson overheard his mom commenting to his dad about how fast his brain works. He was learning states and capitals at a rapid pace. My grandson went to his mom later and said, “Thank you for the compliment, Mom.” That’s a simple example of the value a child puts on words that build up.
A few years ago, I saw a man I had worked for at a radio station in Grenada, Mississippi back in the 70s. In the conversation, he said, “I always knew you were a good radio guy.” It was just an off-the-cuff comment, but it meant the world to me for him to say that.
How would things be different if more of us placed a higher value on the words we use? An artist is careful with each stroke of the brush, and we should approach our conversation with that same caution. We should be on guard to make sure that we represent Christ well when we speak.
Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth;
Keep watch over the door my lips (Psalm 141:3).
Even when we talk “politics”
There’s a lot of talk about Donald Trump and Kamala Harris these days. And why not? We expect that one of these candidates will be the next president of the United States.
Maybe you’ve overheard chatter about them in the breakroom at work, the checkout line at the grocery store, or even around the dinner table. They’re a hot topic.
The personalities and the principles of the two candidates can serve as kindling for heated discussions. Sometimes we hear comments about former President Trump or Vice President Harris that are peppered with mockery and name-calling. Some express their opinion by just rolling their eyes or groaning.
As Christians, perhaps we should seize this golden opportunity to speak about politicians in a way that rises above the conversations that aren’t so careful.
With God’s help, the words we say about the candidates, our facial expressions, and even timely silence, can rise above the sarcasm and harshness that we hear from so many.
What if our co-workers, our neighbors, and our families witnessed a holy carefulness in what we say as we have those important discussions about the upcoming election? Surely God would be pleased.
Death and life are in the power of the tongue,
And those who love it will eat its fruit (Proverbs 18:21).
