I was very tired today, so decided to have a short nap after lunch. Unfortunately, right next door a construction crew is replacing our neighbor’s deck with a sunroom. So, the nap idea didn’t work out so well.  After 10 minutes of playing “name that tool” based on the sound effects, I gave up on sleep.  Since I have a few articles to write, I got thinking about words, and how they are tools too. 

Some people, like writers or speakers use words to make their living. But all of us, really, use words to make our life.  What we say or write, what we read, or hear, or listen to, largely defines our lives.  Like carpenters tools, words can be used to build up a person or situation, or to tear them down.  The power of written or spoken words is mind blowing if you stop and really think about it.  Words can completely make or break an individual, a family, a relationship, a business, or any community.

I believe that words and language are a gift from God, so I began to think about what He says about words, and how we use them.  Even with my limited knowledge of scripture, several verses came immediately to mind.  I’ve decided now that I want to spend some time studying this subject.  I think a good place to start would be by reading the book of James, and then Proverbs, both of which have plenty to say about words.   Personally, my words run too quickly to sarcasm, fuelled by my quick Irish temper!

Sometimes we justify our speech to others by saying “the truth hurts”. But it should be the truth that hurts, not the way we say it.  We are to “speak the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15).  Not in harshness, nor with sarcasm or glib carelessness, but in love.  Our speech is to be always with grace. (Colossians 4:6)

I’m sure as I continue this study I’ll blogging a lot more about words. But, here’s one last verse for now: “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.” Proverbs 25:11

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Posted by Juldos

Sorry you didn't get your nap; but it sure did produce a wonderful blog entry.
Have a wonderful week-end with your family.
I love your tulips!!!
Julie D.

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Posted by

Strongest weapon we yield - our tongue. Words are so powerful and not long forgotten. Sad that the negative words are the ones we long remember and the loving ones we forget all too soon. Perhaps if everyone used more encouraging words - we would soon forget the hurtful ones.

Wonderful post - how have you been Ms. E?! Sorry I've not been by in a while - life can too often become a ride all its own around here!!

Have a great weekend!
Harriette


Edited by jacobsacademy on Mar. 31, 2006 at 6:32 AM

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Posted by WhiteHibiscus

It is such a grace when God gives you a desire to study His word - to actually really want to do it!
A noisy construction project is a strange means of grace - thinking that God worked throught THAT to inspire you to more Bible study ought to make me not complain about anything! Who knows how God will work it for my good!
May God fulfill every good purpose of yours, and make this Bible study life-transforming for you. I think I should do some meditating on "mouth" verses once in awhile too.
Alyssa

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