Something Worth Saying

The Importance of Words

I want to share with you about the importance of our words. As I was reading through the book of Proverbs, the Lord showed me through His Word how important our words toward others are and the benefit of those words.

Proverbs says what the words of the godly are like.

• they are a life-giving fountain
• they encourage many
• they give wise advice
• they are helpful words
• they tell the truth
• they will produce long life
• they give good advice
• are carefully thought out before spoken
• they can bring life
• they are of more value than gold and rubies
• they will keep one out of trouble
• they are wise and give instruction with kindness.

(NLT Proverbs 10:11,21,31,32 ; 12:22 ; 13:3 ; 15:7 ; 15:28 ; 18:21 ; 20:15 ; 21:23 ; 31:26)

I encourage you to look up these verses for yourself and study them out. Knowing the Word of God will help us to control the quality of the words that come out our mouth. Our actions are external, but our speech is a mater of the heart.

Luke 6:45 says that out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. God wants His laws of wisdom and kindness to govern our speech and our heart.

Let Wisdom Guide Your Speech

We should always be wise in our speech, not only in what we say but how we say it. The New Living Translation of Proverbs 12:4 states, “Wise words bring many benefits.” Our words should impart wisdom and practical knowledge for living to those around us. As a mother with children, this would benefit those children greatly! Let wisdom guide your speech.

We should acquire wisdom from God’s Word and limit our words accordingly. They should never be hurtful or destructive to those around us or even to ourselves. Think about your daily life and those you talk to – your spouse, family, friends, co-worker, and strangers. Our words need to be encouraging and a blessing. With our children, our words should be a blessing in giving instructions, training, and even in discipline. With co-workers words should encourage in giving directions for the day. We must learn to open our mouth wisely.

I believe that the first step to learning how to control our words is found in the Word of God. The book of Proverbs is a great place to start. It offers invaluable eternal wisdom and includes some of God’s rules for godly speech.

Guidelines for Speaking Godly Words

Here are a few guidelines to get you started. By following these guidelines, you will always have something to say that’s worth saying (wisdom) and say it in the right way (with kindness).

1. Speak words that are wise and only words that are kind.
2. Think before you speak. Literally pause and think about your words before you say them. Select words that measure up to God’s standards.
3. Learn to wait. When something unpleasant happens, make it your first rule to say nothing. Waiting buys you time to calm down, cool off, and to weigh out the problem. Always pray for a wise solution and seek God’s Word.

When it comes to words, less is always best! Never get discouraged but always keep trying.