Words, believe it or not, are the most powerful thing in the universe. One might (erroneously) say “Words don’t kill, words don’t produce, words don’t put food on the table,” but one would be wrong in that assessment. The Chapter in Proverbs we’ll be quoting today says a lot about this, but let’s consider some of the things that “words” have done. Words created Light, planets, stars and galaxies, trees, birds fish and animals. Words blessed and cursed creation. Words obeyed bring power, and disobeyed bring punishment. We’re inspired so much by them that we create whole “social” platforms around written and spoken words. Words have inspired armies, and created dictators who killed tens of millions of their own (and other) people, and words have brought peace and freedom to oppressed peoples. Words bring us poets, plays, speeches, and inspiration from millennia past, and are used across mediums to inspire the current generation. And, the word of the Gospel is the power of God to Salvation for those who believe (Romans 1:16).
This is so significant that Jesus is called the Word of God. John says this because He is the agent of creation, the fulfillment of all promises, the force which binds all together. We cannot deny the power of words. We know Jesus is the supreme “Word.” We need to understand also why there is, and always has been, an attack on people through words. Satan used God’s word to distort His commands to Adam and Eve, and thus they were deceived (easily), because even they changed that word. And, over and again, when we, and others distort the words of God (for power, money, sexual conquest, or any other selfish thing), we cause destruction and damage that is more lasting than war or violence.
Is it a wonder people seek to change definitions so often? They recognize the power of words, and use this power to try and maintain power and control over others. And this is why we must be in God’s word. It is only through God’s word we can test the Spirits and test the will of God. Being steeped in the word of God helps us discern truth from lie, fact from fiction, and keeps us focused and grounded on God’s will for our lives. So stop mincing words. Stop focusing on minutia and seek God’s purpose and plan, and this, from the Scriptures, which can bring us life through the Power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Proverbs 18
Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment. A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion. When wickedness comes, contempt comes also, and with dishonor comes disgrace. The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters; the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook. It is not good to be partial toa the wicked or to deprive the righteous of justice. A fool’s lips walk into a fight, and his mouth invites a beating. A fool’s mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to his soul. The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels; they go down into the inner parts of the body. Whoever is slack in his work is a brother to him who destroys. The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe. A rich man’s wealth is his strong city, and like a high wall in his imagination. Before destruction a man’s heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor. If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame. A man’s spirit will endure sickness, but a crushed spirit who can bear? An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge. A man’s gift makes room for him and brings him before the great. The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him. The lot puts an end to quarrels and decides between powerful contenders. A brother offended is more unyielding than a strong city, and quarreling is like the bars of a castle. From the fruit of a man’s mouth his stomach is satisfied; he is satisfied by the yield of his lips. Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits. He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD. The poor use entreaties, but the rich answer roughly. A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
