Good Words–thoughtful Words Series

GOOD WORDS are THOUGHTFUL WORDS

PROVERBS 12:25

It has been estimated that a talkative person may speak 30,000 words a day. Thus it would be wise to ask our self an important question, "How do our words, be they many or few, affect others?"

Words can be a powerful force to bring about evil or to bring about good. Words can hurt and injure, or words can soothe and heal. Words can mislead, or words can guide. Each of us is responsible for the words, the type of words, coming out of our mouth (CIM). May this study about good words cause us to be more conscious of them and how to use them for the blessing of men and the greater glory of God.

Let's look at a selection of verses that teach us about good words under the three headings that follow.

I. GOOD WORDS ENCOURAGE THE BURDENED

II. GOOD WORDS PROMOTE HEALING

III. GOOD WORDS SATISFY.

I. GOOD WORDS ENCOURAGE THE BURDENED

Proverb 12:25 teaches that good words uplifts a burden. "Anxiety in the heart of a man weighs it down, but a good word makes it glad."

The British Navy has a regulation which reads "No officer shall speak discouragingly to another officer in the discharge of his duties." We need to practice that regulation in our homes and churches! Each of us needs to be a Barnabas, a "son of encouragement" (Acts 4:36-37). Jesus came to heal the broken hearted (Lk. 4:18) and we assist in His ministry through words of encouragement and hope.

Those who are excessively burdened due to personal troubles or social affliction need a good word from you. A good word can transform the situation or our perception of it. Good words must be true; true to reason, conscience, character and God. Good words must be kind words or words which originate in a loving heart from a loving spirit. Good words must be suitable words, suitable to the particular condition of the sufferer. They should be fitted to his or her condition.

SIR WALTER SCOTT, as a young boy, was dull and slow in his lessons and, consequently, discouraged. One day, or so Sir Walter Scott relates, he sat down by Scotland's sweetest singer, Bobby Burns, who read to him some of the lines of poetry he had written. Burns put his hand on the head of the boy and encouraged him. Sir Walter Scott said he went back home and wept for joy. There was a marvelous change in his life because of that good word of encouragement.

GYPSY SMITH described a most moving incident in his own young life. He had gone to hear Dwight L. Moody preach and Ira D. Sankey sing. After the service was over he went up to Ira Sankey, Moody's singer. Sankey, talking to the little orphaned gypsy boy, somehow by inspiration and a revelation from God, put his hand on the head of the castaway boy and said to him, "Some day God will make of you a great preacher." It was just a sentence. It was just the warmth of a hand. It was just a smile–kind, tender-hearted, sympathetic. But that kindness changed Gypsy Smith's life.

Proverb 15:23 reveals that divine discipline will enable us to have the right word at the time. "A man has joy in an apt answer, and how delightful is a timely word!"

Apt means appropriate or fitting, saying the right thing at the right time. This kind of useful answer gives joy and delight (s mah), not only the hearer but also the one who says them. Encouraging speech which enlightens, comforts, strengthens, and blesses people, gives the speaker a blessing also. Having spoken the apt word the conscience cheers its speaker. Sincere expressions of gratitude will do this. Try it and see!

Words should not be poured forth but measured and spoken at an appropriate or timely season. Not only the context but the timing of words is important. Timely words (whether of love, encouragement, rebuke, or peacemaking) are beneficial. A good prayer request is that you would have the right words at the right time. [Prov. 25:11-12 is a similar idea.]

Proverb 16:24 teaches us the healing power of good words. "Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones."

Words are a source of refreshment to the soul and body. Sweet (i.e. attractive or helpful) words like sweet food is pleasant to the taste. So pleasant words are sweet as a honeycomb to the soul and a physical benefit to the body (honey contains minerals needed by the body). ["Bright eyes gladden the heart; Good news puts fat on the bones" Prov. 15:30.] Appropriately spoken words (Prov. 15:23) that encourage, soothe, or commend can be so pleasant and uplifting that they help a person feel better physically.