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WEEKLY ENCOURAGEMENT
Updated: Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Unnecessary Words
I recently experienced an absolutely marvelous four days at the "Writing for the Soul" Writers Conference in Colorado Springs. There were extraordinary opportunities to meet new people, draw on other's years of experience, be inspired by spiritual giants and tap into a wealth of knowledge.
One particular rule for writing struck a note with me. We were instructed over and over to eliminate all unimportant words. Each word we use should convey an important or necessary thought. One observer stated that every word Dr. Dennis Hensley, a well known Christian writer and teacher, speaks is valuable.
It is no accident that Scripture tells us to be careful about the words we use. "Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter anything before God: for God is in heaven and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few." Ecclesiastes 5:2.
How quickly we express words of anger, doubt, fear, and criticism. Not only can we do irreparable damage to others but we also give ammunition to our enemy, Satan. Words carry great power that can be used for good or evil. Words have lit the fires of revolution and have given courage to the down-trodden. We, as believers, need to learn to use our words wisely. "How forcible are right words!" -Job 6:25. Speech is not meant to be used as a sword slicing our family, friends and neighbors around us to shreds.
"The words of a wise man's mouth are gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself." -Ecclesiastes 10:12. The Bible tells us that our words should encourage, comfort and strengthen others. There are times that our words are to correct or admonish but they should always be seasoned with love and kindness. Our words need to be easy to understand so that the Word of God can be effective in the lives of those listening.
We get so busy - so caught up in our own thoughts and life that we neglect to guard our words. This is not a light matter as Jesus said, "But I say unto you, that every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment." -Matthew 12:36.
May these thoughts encourage you and me to be more conscious of what we say. It is not necessary to put all our thoughts into words. May we develop the same attitude about speaking as Isaiah had: "The Lord God hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary: he wakeneth morning by morning , he wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned." -Isaiah 50:4
THOUGHT TO PONDER:How would the people around you describe your words? Does your conversation work to increase your own faith or do you talk yourself into doubt and fear?
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- Sandy Hastings |
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