Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit – you choose (Proverbs 18:21 The Message)
Normally I don’t enjoy The Message translation (I’m an ESV or Extra Snobby Version type of guy) but lately I have liked how the Message brings Scripture to the very common. Sunday, I talked to the teens about taking risks and how a life with Jesus, means living in the risk for He is anything but safe. We mentioned this verse in particular because it is risky to speak. Our words are often remembered long after they leave our mouths, and therefore carry weight that reaches far beyond this current day. I remember cruel things said to me that still bounce into my headspace when I’m hurting.
Perhaps this is why God gave us two ears but only one tongue, for he wants us to listen twice as much as speak.
But the beauty of words is that they can breathe life into a dead situation. Again, how many times did someone say something to you at just the right time? The end of this verse leaves it up to us – which shall we choose? How shall we spend our words this day and the next? For an easy test of this, view your last few text messages and social media posts. Poison or fruit?
Following Christ gives us a tremendous amount of freedom to live and act how we wish. In this freedom, we must pursue the presence of God in our mouths as much as in our hearts. One word will either lay waste to our reputation or build a reputation which will echo in our eulogy. The choice is ours. Today, choose life. Thoughtfully pick words that will encourage and challenge with a deep humility. Remember the words of Christ and cling to a better way of speech.
Matt simon blog 