How many times has it happened to you? Someone said just a few words to you, words that didn’t even communicate anything that important; but the attitude behind the words seemed loaded with a venomous message that left your soul stunned and hurting.
But I hope you can all identify with this experience too: after a brief conversation, again just a few words that weren’t really that significant of themselves, we find ourselves feeling somehow lighter, having renewed energy; in a word, encouraged.
Most of us have known both realities. We all like to spend time with people who are good at encouraging others. But have you ever stopped to think about why our feelings bend so quickly to messages we hear from others? Why do the tongues of others seem to hold such a tyranny over our spirits?
Now turn the question the other way: what effect are our words having on others? We must acknowledge that, like it or not, our words can hold great power over the spirits of others. We can use this power to destroy, or to build up and edify. The epistle of James tells us that, even while our words wield such power, the tongue has yet to be fully tamed. It is vital that we learn to discipline this important and potent member.
The latest article from the pen of Harold Martin offers some principles on this subject gleaned from the book of Proverbs. Here Harold explains how important it is to Watch What You Say.
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