Devotions: Life or Death

 

There is one who speaks rashly like the thrusts of a sword,
But the tongue of the wise brings healing.

Proverbs 12:18 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

 

In the original Hebrew, the word bata which means to speak rashly (without thought) or angrily is repeated which generally implies great emphasis. Rash and angry words pierce and wound like a sword. They are cutting and very painful. The old adage “sticks and stones may break my bones but words can never hurt me” is completely false. We may say that to keep the offender from feeling as if they won, but it just isn’t true. Anyone who says otherwise is deceived. What we say has lasting impact, either to heal or destroy.

Interestingly, the Hebrew word marpe at the very end of the verse is also repeated. The language of the wise heals doubly. This shows how great an emphasis there is on what we say, and our words reveal whether we are wise, careless or even bitter. Remember that our words are the product of what is in our hearts. We can and should be careful to consider what we say before we say it; hence the wise are not rash or thoughtless. They think about their words before opening their mouths.

But there will always be that moment of pain or surprise when we spout out something quickly without thinking. It is in that moment that our hearts are fully revealed for what comes out is unchecked and unfiltered. If our hearts are filled with God’s love, then our words will be as well, but if we have bitterness in our hearts, or a disregard for the feelings of others, our words will destroy those we love. I know someone who is always smiling and joking. She seems to be jovial and kind, but her words cut deeply. After spending a lot of time with her this summer I realized that inside she is very bitter, and it shows in the way she talks to her family. The smile on her face cannot completely hide what is in her heart. The sad part is she is unwilling to acknowledge the pain she causes, claiming it is the recipient’s fault for being too sensitive or emotional. Instead of giving life to those she loves, she brings pain and destruction. Let us take that as a lesson. Our words can heal or destroy, and what we say is our responsibility. Like a sword, our tongues are a tool that can be good or bad depending on how we use them. Let us be like the wise and carefully consider what we say before we say it. Let us also ask God to cleanse and heal our hearts so that what comes out is full of God, beautiful and wholesome, rather than sharp and destructive.

 

 

 

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Translations of Greek and Hebrew words taken from blueletterbible.org