Words Matter

Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.

Proverbs 18: 21

There is an old children’s rhyme that goes, “sticks and stones may brake my bones but words will never hurt me.” The intent of the rhyme is to show resiliency and calmness in the face of name-calling and verbal bullying. It is a noble verse to teach children when they face such threats. Even as adults the premise of the verse can be used to deflect harsh criticisms and verbal abuse. In light of having to endure physical harm and abuse, this rhyme puts into perspective that words should be far less hurtful. However, as noble as this rhyme may be, words can hurt. Words can even kill. This is because words do matter.

O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.

A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringers forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringers for evil things.

Matthew 12:34

Jesus was dealing with the Pharisees, in his day, over the idea of the sabbath. The Pharisees had accused Jesus of breaking the law by healing on the sabbath. Jesus, however, in turn dealt with the real issue in that day and that was the condition of their hearts. The Pharisees even proceeded to call Jesus a devil after he cast out devils in one who was possessed by them. Jesus proceeded to explain that words mattered in that day. He went on to explain that at the center of their words was a heart that motivated them to speak the way that they did. It is the heart that always motivates either good speech or evil speech … and much can be done through the power of the tongue; to the good or to the bad.

During World War II, while Adolf Hitler was known for his impassioned oratory that would whip Germany into a frenzy over their Nazi and imperialistic views, Winston Churchill spoke with somewhat of a monotone voice that was much more deliberate than it was emotional. Both Hitler and Churchill also knew the power of the written word, as well. Churchill was probably more accomplished in this arena. Both men understood that words mattered. Both men also knew instinctively that life and death were in the power of the tongue. They carried out their respective “missions” based upon the power of the words that they both spoke and wrote. Word’s that promoted death and word’s that promoted life. Words, nevertheless, that mattered!

However, there was a distinct difference between the words that Hilter spoke and wrote about from the words that Churchill wrote and spoke about. The difference lied in the heart of each man. Hilter’s words were motivated by a evil heart of fear. He would “motivate” his troops into action through his orders. He did so first by instilling the in them that they were of a pure race and that anyone contrary to that needed to be annihilated due to the fear of perverting that pure race. He also motivated by insuring total loyalty to him and his cause, at any cost. Anyone that went against him or his cause was made to fear his wrath and indignation, even unto death. He was a cruel and inhumane leader with no tolerance for anything other than strict obedience. He became consumed with power and his perceived greatness and nothing would stand in his way until his mission was accomplished. HIs words were frightening to the rational mind. His words were evil as well as dangerous.

Churchill on the other hand was not one to allow fear to dictate or motivate his objectives. He saw the rise of Hitler and tried to warn his fellow countryman of the impending doom. However, it was not based upon fear but a love for his country and his countrymen. Even after the dreadful night when London was almost completely destroyed. He was not one to cower or retreat (although he may have wanted to in himself). On the contrary, it became his “finest hour.” His words were used to lift up his fellow citizen’s to not back down but to fight until the bitter end. He continued to speak words of victory and not defeat. When his “brothers across the pond” finally arrived to the battle, it was Churchill who continued to address the matter at hand with poise and eloquence… and victory. He did not try to motivate his people out of fear, even though there was much to fear. His motivation came from a believe that good will ultimately conquer evil. His words helped to turn the tide of the war itself.

In this oversimplified version of history, the scriptures in the books of Proverbs and Matthew are personified. As people, we have the ability to speak words that can either tear down or built-up a person or a people. Our words can mean life or death depending on the person(s) or situation(s). We can speak life or death or be on the receiving end of words that speak life or death. When we encourage, we have the ability to bring forth spiritual life into a person’s heart and soul. However, when we backbite, criticize or attack, we can kill a persons spirit in a heartbeat. The key is, out of what type of heart are we speaking? What is the motivation of the words that we speak? We can “say” the wrong words. However, if our heart is right and our motivation is pure, those words will not kill or destroy. On the contrary, we can say the right words but if our heart is not right and our motivation is not pure, those words can kill and/or destroy. Paul said it this way:

Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the sprint giveth life.

2 Corinthians 3: 6

In other words, unless our words, whether written or spoken, have the right motivation behind them they can do much damage; even if they are spoken by “able ministers.” Those words can only rightfully “minister” when God’s Spirit is the motivation behind them. A heart that is motivated and led by the Spirit of God has the ability to speak life into even the darkest of situations. Not only will the person speaking those life giving words benefit “from its fruit”, but more importantly the hearer will gain immensely from the fruit of that word and can share with others.

Hitler and Churchill were mere men. However, their words, followed by their actions, changed the course of this world. We are mere men and women, as well. However, if our hearts are motivated and lead by the Holy Spirit, we are capable of turning the world “upside down.” Word’s do matter! The choice is ours!

Photo by Photo by Hrayr Movsisyan on Unsplash

If you like this post, you may also like:

Never Surrender