Scripture: A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pitchers of silver. — Proverbs 25:11
Imagine the serene beauty of apples of gold in pitchers of silver. The thought of such beauty lifts our spirits and refreshes our very souls. Likewise our words, our tone of voice should soothe and uplift the spirits of those we are privileged to talk to. Yet, have you ever noticed that when we get in a rush or under pressure, an unmerciful lashing of words can send a deathblow to anyone within earshot? Most often, the perpetrator is not even aware of the damage done. How is it that our words become weapons, used to inflict gaping, irreparable wounds on our fellow saints? Indeed, the victims of our cruel retorts are often those who are closest to us— a beloved husband, a devoted wife, an inquisitive child. Can sweet and bitter water flow from the same fountain? Can we truly say we are disciples of Christ, yet belittle and destroy one another with our words?
James 3:6 says, “the tongue can no man tame.” So, how do we get control of our unruly tongues? How do we change our delivery so that our words bless rather than curse? Of course it will take much discipline and hard work to recondition the way we speak to others. Only with our sincere conviction, commitment, and God’s help can we tame our tongues and our tone of voice to speak life to others. We must pray for the Father’s help daily—ask Him to put a guard over our tongue and to give us ears to hear ourselves when speaking to others. We must ask the Lord to give us ears to hear not only what His Spirit is saying—not only His words, but also the tone in which the Spirit speaks. Have you noticed that when God speaks to us it is never in a harsh, vindictive, cruel or impatient tone? Hence, let us imitate our Father when speaking to others. Let us give the Father permission to show His love through the words we speak. And with practice, our words to others, like God’s words to us, will become a beautiful scene to behold—like apples of gold in pitchers of silver, refreshing all who need to hear a word from the Lord
Prayer: Father, I pray that the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight. Teach me Lord to speak to others so that my words bless and uplift their thirsty souls. May my words be always seasoned with grace that I might know how to give an answer to those who need a Word from You. Amen.
