Proverbs 15:23(KJV)
A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!
The ability to speak or use words is one of the greatest God gave us. The Lord, through the power of Words, created this world. The purpose of speech is for God’s creation to have healthy communication and to bring glory to Him. The tongue reveals what we can and are supposed to do with words. We are to speak words consistent with our nature and heritage in Christ. In other words, we can have a great life and enjoy our days in God’s blessings and goodness if we always learn to speak the right words. Proverbs 12:14 says, “A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth: and the recompence of a man’s hands shall be rendered unto him.” The truth is that our speech determines our reach in life. The way we talk determines the way we end. Words are powerful! So, how we use our mouths determines the outcome of every storm. Not realizing the power of the tongue, Christians have killed things that should be alive in their lives and resurrected what should be dead. Words can kill, and words can also heal.
Words are fragile and delicate. Therefore, if there is anything we must learn to use in life, it is our tongue because it can build and destroy. Speaking carefully, prudently, and wisely is a great indicator of character, and mastering the art of providing accurate and timely words is a crucial asset. The ability to answer to others is a valuable quality that wise individuals possess. The wise are gracious in speech; they rule their tongues, which indicates significant temperance and prudence. Proverbs 23:16 says, “Yea, my reins shall rejoice, when thy lips speak right things.” Being able to offer timely and fitting words is a significant asset. An encouraging word can go a long way to getting people on the right path. Using kind and thoughtful words appropriately for each situation is like setting expensive apples in a beautiful silver bowl. A soft answer turns away wrath, the gentle tongue is merry, doing good to the hearer like medicine to the sick. Our words can change someone’s circumstances and future for good. What comes out of mouths would either bring down rain to water the seeds sown or establish a drought that will destroy our harvest. It is crucial to understand that words are prophecies, everytime we speak, we are prophesying about the future. When we talk about death, we move the spirit of death into action, and when we talk about life, we prompt the quickening Spirit of God and vitality into action. It is because the world of the spirit does not operate on what we mean but runs with what we say.
Beloved, watch your tongue, for it is crucial for survival. It can shorten or prolong days. Whatever is not your intention must never be your confession. Never speak of the condition but the conviction. Never forget the enemy is always looking for what you are saying to catch your words. So, be careful what information you divulge to your enemies. Talk only when necessary. Stop abusing your tongue because the Bible describes it as a fire that can burn destructively if unguarded. Be wise and not hurtful in what you say. Use your words to help others, not to separate, hurt, deceive, or sway them. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt. Strive to speak words that heal rather than wound others with your words because the right words at the right time cheer the heart, enlighten the mind, and lift the spirit. Finding sincere answers to others’ questions will go a long way in enhancing your communication skills. Remember, a correct answer is one of the most pleasant things you can hear, for it energizes and strengthens the body.
O Lord, help me to speak words that turn away wrath, use knowledge and disperse it wisely, that gives life and joy in due season in Jesus’ Name.