Dear Faith Family,
Death and life are in the power of the tongue
and those who love it will eat its fruit.
(Proverbs 18:21)
Even with how well acquainted we are with feeling powerless, Wisdom says that we indeed possess great power. And, as we all know, "With great power comes great responsibility."
Okay, that last sentence might not be from the most reputable source of wisdom, though Uncle Ben/Aunt Mae seemed to have had enough life to have figured a few things out. And if you're lost to what I'm talking about, you're probably better off!
Regardless, the truth of the matter is that words are powerful things. As Paul reminded the faith family of Colosse, it is our words along with our deeds that make a life, good or not (Col. 3:17). Or, as one translation of Proverbs 18:21 puts it:
Words kill, words give life;
they're either poison or fruit -
you choose.
The words we use and the manner in which we use them matter. The Ninth of our Ten Words declares our submission to this truth essential to living free and whole with God and others.
You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
(Exodus 20:16)
As we mentioned on Sunday, at the heart of the Ninth Word is the prohibition against any speech that corrupts the judgment of others in our favor. Whether in a legal proceeding or at the watercooler, whether to secure a favorable ruling or favorable perception, whether spoken in ignorance, arrogance, from hurt or fear; when we use words to twist or manipulate how another person(s) are perceived (judged), we are violating the Ninth Word. That's why throughout our scriptures, not only is lying condemned, but so is slander, gossip, 'othering,' stereotyping, 'gas-lighting,' and the like. And these ways of using words are not merely called improper, but evil, for in truth, they kill life in relationships rather than cultivate it.
I doubt you'd have to think too hard to recall the power of words in your life- whether your own or another's. Times when words poisoned a relationship and times when words made bounds deeper and more satisfying.
It is humbly to think that the Lord would entrust us with such power. Which is why Paul encourages us, as Uncle Ben did Peter Parker, to use our words with great responsibility:
Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths,
but only such as is good for building up,
as fits the occasion,
that it may give grace to those who hear.
(Ephesians 4:29)
May our words make life good, as we speak truth in love.
Love you, faith family! God bless.