WORDS OF BLESSINGS

Proverbs 25:11, “A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.” (NIV)

What a remarkable truth when one thinks about it! It shows the importance of words aptly spoken in all circumstances whether favorable or unfavorable. According to Wikipedia, conversations are maintained at around 200 words per minute.

Allow me to share with you a story related to our discussion, “There was a little boy with a bad temper. His father gave him a bag of nails and told him that every time he lost his temper, to hammer a nail in the back fence. The first day the boy had driven 37 nails into the fence. Then it gradually dwindled down. He discovered it was easier to hold his temper than to drive those nails into the fence. Finally the day came when the boy didn't lose his temper at all. He told his father about it and the father suggested that the boy now pull out one nail for each day that he was able to hold his temper. The days passed and the young boy was finally able to tell his father that all the nails were gone. The father took his son by the hand and led him to the fence. You have done well, my son, but look at the holes in the fence. The fence will never be the same. When you say things in anger, they leave a scar just like this one. You can put a knife in a man and draw it out, it won't matter how many times you say “I'm sorry,” the wound is still there.”

Words of blessing must become a pattern. How does one do it? Could anyone become adept at it? I fully believe so! Let me give you the three-fold instruction from James 1:19, “My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” (NIV)

Here are three specific ideas gleaned from this Scripture;

1. Aim to become a good listener. Lend your ears fully in order not to miss anything.
2. Slow to speak. This simply means to always check your heart and remember, the mouth only speaks what is stored inside your heart.
3. Watch carefully what comes from your mouth. If you have nothing good to say, don’t say anything.

Being careless and loose in words spoken will invite potential conflict. Remember that any conversation could turn the other way in a second by a wrong word. Our aim must be to become a blessing and not a source of a potential problem by speaking negative words.

Although there are some situations that calls for the use of strong words appropriate to the circumstances, the same principle listed above must apply no matter how worst it might be. Because a verbal wound is as bad as a physical one. Just let it go and go on your way. Remember the words of Jesus at the cross, “Father, forgive them for they do not know what they’re doing.” The same prayer applies when you change it to this: “Father, forgive them for they do no what they’re saying.” When you do, you’ll be the better person.

Let’s talk again!