Let your words be few! Are you in agreement with that statement? Why do you agree with it? Well, we are living in a time when our thoughts and opinions can be shared instantly, throughout the world with little to no accountability. We also spend a lot of time considering the right words to say, the right tone to use, and the right time to speak.
However, God’s Word tells us that we will all have to give an account for every empty word we have ever spoken, and that it is not only what we say, and how we say it, that is important. What is equally important is what we choose not to say.
Matthew 12:36-37: “But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. For by your words, you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” And Ecclesiastes 5:2 states, “Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven, and you are on earth, so let your words be few.”
A story was told of a woman who went into a local newspaper office to see that the obituary for her recently deceased husband was properly written. You see, she had always been known for her accuracy to details, and her sense of thrift. She had only her husband’s pickup truck remaining to remind her of his presence.
The obituary editor informed her that the fee for the obituary was 50 cents a word. So, the woman paused, reflected, and then said, “Well then, let it read, ‘Billy Bob died.” Although amused at the woman’s cleverness, the editor said, “Sorry, ma’am, but there’s a 7-word minimum on all obituaries.” That caused the woman to become a little flustered, and she thought things over for a few seconds. “In that case,” she said, “let it read, ‘Billy Bob died, 1983 Pickup for sale.’”
For reasons that go far beyond finances, we should learn to be a people of few words as well, and we should make those few words count. The Bible is in full support with that statement – “Let your words be few” as well. In Ecclesiastes 5:2 verse 3, King Solomon states it best. Listen to what he says, “Therefore let your words be few. For a fool’s voice is known by his many words.” And Proverbs. 17:27 to 28 instruct, “He who has knowledge spares his words, even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace; When he shuts his lips, he is considered perceptive.” Those are wise words, very sound counsel!
Jesus should be our greatest example. He knew exactly when to talk, when not to talk, and how to talk. He knew the importance and danger of words. He knew the power and impact of words. That is the reason why He speaks purposefully into our lives. Each word in Scripture has significance and power. Jesus does not waste words or speak without reason. We too must practise the same. We must never underestimate the power of our words. Words are powerful.
They are filled with either blessings or curses, either with life or death. We must not take the words we use lightly.
Jesus also knew how to use His words to bring life and hope to others. When there were no words to say, Jesus listened. He listened to Mary and Martha and wept at the death of their brother Lazarus. Not that Jesus did not know what to say, but He was deeply moved in spirit and was troubled. There are times when only our ears are necessary. That is the reason why He gave us one mouth and two ears. Listening is very important my friends.
Scripture shows us that our choice of words is like unto that of a tool. So, when a powerful tool, as that of our mouth is used, it can either heal or harm, divide and destroy or to restore and to calm. Hence, it is imperative that we are careful in how we use our mouths, and the words that we speak. By the words we use, we can destroy our neighbour, crush the feelings of a friend, and set fire to relationships. One wrong word may spoil a person’s character, smear a person’s reputation, mar the usefulness of someone’s life for a very long time. There is a poem that says:
A careless word may kindle strife,
A cruel word may wreck a life,
A bitter word may hate to instill,
A brutal word may smite and kill.
Do you see the danger words can cause? Do you see the value of – let your words be few? It is time to pay attention to the words you use each day. Every word that is spoken is heard by God. Nothing misses His gaze. Our lives are exposed before Him. God does not take words lightly. It is not wise for us to say everything that is on our minds all the time. Certain things are just best left unsaid. We must all learn this little poem by William Edward Norris:
If your lips would keep from slips,
Five things observe with care:
To whom you speak; of whom you speak.
And how, and when, and where.
Remember: Words are containers for power. You can choose what kind of power they carry. Don’t mix your words with your mood. You can change your mood, but you cannot take back your words.
About the Author: Mrs. Marilyn Hodge owns and operates the Wellness Centre in the Farrington, Anguilla. The Centre offers Counselling Services by Appointment Only and has now published Positive Living Volume 3. Contact information: 476-3517 or email: marilynb@anguillanet.com. www.facebook.com/axawellnesscentre
