There is an anonymously written quote from which all of us can take a valuable lesson: “Words are powerful; speak wisely.” Many of us are guilty of saying things to get our points across without thinking about the consequences of what we are about to say. Our focus then is on our sole aim for speaking: to tell someone off just because…, to hurt someone just to get back for a deed we felt was unfair, to show off how “big and bad” we can be, or just to be mean-spirited. However, we must remember that once words have gone forth, they cannot be taken back. Hurriedly trying to give someone “a piece of your mind” can bring about unimaginable consequences. Therefore, think before you speak because your words can have tremendous power to help or to harm.
As we listen each day to the political ads, some of them are so vengeful that they make you want to turn off the television and find something else to do. On some days, that is what my husband and I do. They come one after another with almost no retreat. It should not take all of this negativity to inform the voters that you are the best candidate for the job. The more powerful an individual is, the more some people will listen to and follow his or her words, good or bad. Good, positive words have the power to bring about unity; whereas, vicious, negative words encourage division, unrest, and mistrust. “There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing” (Proverbs 12:18 ESV).
We have to be very wise in our word choices because uttering derogatory comments about others can come back to harm us or our future generations. The Word declares in Matthew 12:36-37 (ESV), “I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” Therefore, when you speak, remember that your words can have tremendous destructive or constructive power. For future reference, you choose the results that you desire to bring about before you speak. Always abound in the faith, and never leave home without Him!
