WWW – Wield Words Wisely

Why Wield Words Wisely? It came to me one day as I pondered a post about using our words wisely. The definition of wield means to handle effectively. So, put “wield” along with how we should speak and the definition of WWW becomes, “handle words wisely” or “wield words wisely.” WWW

There is such power in our mouths. We do not comprehend the depths of which we can destroy or encourage by just words alone. A definition of power, “ability to act or produce an effect” and “possession of control, authority, or influence over others.” With all this said, we should wield our words wisely since there is so much power to produce an effect in everything we say.

Like cool air brushing across our skin and giving us goose bumps. Words are simple, little pencil strokes on a page, typed on a computer, or spoken with a breath of air; but they can produce chills down the spine, tears and sadness, laughter and comfort, and a multitude of other emotions and feelings. They can build someone up and make life worth living, or they can tear a human being down to rubble.

Even before a human is physically born, his/her development begins with the first sounds they hear while in the womb. The shaping of this human’s personality is constant and often dependent on all words spoken to the human and spoken by the human. His/her personality is developed mostly on sounds, words, and speech.

If each word spoken to a person and by a person were a brush stroke on a painting, then the person at the end of his/her life is the final masterpiece of all the brushstrokes.

Since speech affects our lives so considerably, let’s review some commonly quoted phrases about words and see what God has to say in the Bible about wielding our words wisely. WWW

1. “Be careful with your words. Once they are said, they can be forgiven, but not forgotten.”

Once we say something, the receiver usually cannot forget it. Forgiveness can be given, but we cannot forget those ill-fit words wrongfully spoken. As I age, it is amazing how I can forget what I ate for breakfast, but I can remember something discouraging someone said to me ten years ago.

Proverbs 18:21 “Death and life are in the power of the tongue…”

2. “One kind word can change the entire day or a person.”

Sometimes, I have truly been having a bad day and someone has come alongside me and said something encouraging. Many the simplest, smallest words can lift a soul that is ready to cave in to the pressures of this world.

Also, on the flip side of things, I have been having a bad day and someone has come alongside me and said something to make me feel worse. With just a few words, my day has been turned upside down by someone with ill-meant speech.

Proverbs 15: 26 “The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the Lord: but the words of the pure are pleasant words.”
Proverbs 31:26 “She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.”

3. “The tongue by itself is not strong, but with simple words, it is strong enough to break a heart.”

As children, many of us have heard this old saying, “Sticks and stones my break my bones, but words will never hurt me!” Only half of this saying is true. Sticks and stones thrown properly could probably break a bone; but words do hurt. As children it can help us mentally when we are saying this phrase; but no sooner are the words out of our mouths, that we know inside – words do hurt. Even if words are spoken in a mild, soft speech; if they are hurtful, they will still go into the depths into the soul and tare the receiver apart.

Proverbs 25:15 “…a soft tongue breaketh the bone.”

Our words are like porcupine quills. If a dog sniffs a porcupine, the porcupine will inevitably shoot his quills at the dog’s face. Each quill must be fully removed. If just a small piece is left in the skin, the little barbs on the end of the quill will keep going deeper and deeper into the dog until it hits an organ and kills the dog.

Proverbs 16:24 “Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.”

4. “You can change your mood, but you can never replace wrongfully spoken words during your bad mood.”

In my years of experience, we ladies tend to say the worst things when we are in a bad mood. I have done it and I have seen others do it. It is not an uncommon thing. However, if we read our Bibles, pray, and ask for God’s help, we can wield our words wisely even during our moody times.

Also, spend time with one’s self during a moody time. Time alone is great; and it keeps one from accidentally saying things that could be regretted later. When no one else is around, we cannot hurt others with our words.

Proverbs 10:19 “…he that refraineth his lips is wise.”

God never gives up on us and he is there to help us accomplish what he wants in our lives and he wants us to wield our words wisely.

Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”

5. “Words are seeds that do more than blow around. They land in our hearts and not the ground. Be careful what you plant and careful what you say. You might have to eat what you planted one day.”

In my life, I have seen people eat their words. It has been a shame to see people intentionally hurt others with their words; then months or years later, they are doing the same things they accused others of previously.

James 3:8 “But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.”

God tells us no man can tame the tongue. Do not be discouraged over this. If we are ever going to have victory over how we speak, we need help. We have to trust God in this area of our lives. We have to ask for help to wield words wisely. Even Job cried out for help to hold his tongue.

Job 6:24 “Teach me, and I will hold my tongue: and cause me to understand wherein I have erred.”
Proverbs 15:2 “The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.”

In conclusion, remember, if each word spoken to a person and by a person were a brush stroke on a painting, then the person at the end of his/her life is the final masterpiece of all the brushstrokes.

So, let us all pray, seek God’s council, and learn to wield words wisely – WWW.

Mark 10:27 “And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.”