Harnessing the Power of Words

The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly. Burning lips and a wicked heart are like a potsherd covered with silver dross. (Proverbs 26:22-23)

Words are carriers. By your words, you can carry heavenly things, such as faith, love, joy, and peace. Your words can also carry things that come from hell like death in relationships, debt in finances, and destruction of relationships.

As Christians, we have a profound responsibility to pay attention to the words we say because they affect everyone who hears them. Personally, I have experienced both the blessing and the harm that words can bring. People have hurt me deeply, but others they have helped me tremendously through the words they have said.

In fact, Proverbs says that someone with burning lips (meaning they are always talking and can’t keep anything inside of them) coupled together with a wicked heart (they want wrong to happen to others) is just like a potsherd covered with silver dross. A potsherd is a broken piece of pottery and dross is the worthless material that is removed when refining silver.

That Scripture means that both the piece and what covers the piece is worthless. It is an illustration of someone whose heart is evil and whose words are plentiful but poisonous.

Avoid talebearers and seek to surround yourself with people who speak encouraging and positive words that agree with God’s Word.

Practical Application

Who is around you today that you can encourage? Into whom can you sow words of faith? Always remember the importance of speaking words that build up rather than tear down, that heal rather than harm.

Proverbs 10:18; Ezekiel 33:31

Extinguishing Strife

Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth. As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife. (Proverbs 26:20-21)

Fire can be beneficial and helpful, but a fire can also be disastrous and destructive. Proverbs 26:20-21 is talking about the latter. The presence of gossip and a talebearer fuels and fans the flames of contention and strife. The opposite is also true. The absence of gossip and slander quenches the flames of discord. Getting people who stir up strife out of your life will bring about peace and harmony.

As believers, we need to cultivate discernment and wisdom in who we allow in our lives and how we talk with others. That means purposely refraining from engaging in gossip or spreading harmful rumors. Instead, let us be agents of peace, seeking to build up rather than tear down through our words and actions.

I have witnessed firsthand the destructive power of gossip and slander in fueling strife among friends, family, and colleagues. I have also experienced the power of those who decide to speak words of faith, peace, and love.

God will put you in the middle of situations that are getting heated, and the Holy Spirit will speak to you to either get out of the situation, to distance yourself from someone who keeps making fires, or to speak faith or peace into a situation to deescalate what is happening.

You have power in your speech, but so do others. That’s why it is vital to limit who you allow to be close to you.

Practical Application

Pay close attention to the words of those around you. Are most of their words complaints, gossip, and hate-filled words? If so, you need to ask the Holy Spirit if He would have you say something to help them change or should you distance yourself so you won’t get burned.

Proverbs 16:28; Proverbs 22:10

Guard Against Flattery

He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips. (Proverbs 20:19)

We don’t really use the term talebearer much in our modern language. It was an old English word that meant one who is spreading gossip or is constantly revealing secrets.

Proverbs 20:19 says that this talebearer is a destructive force that decimates relationships and undermines trust. Interestingly enough, it also likens flattery to the same destructive power. Why is that? Flattery, while sounding good and feeling good on the surface, really conceals someone’s ulterior motives and seeks to manipulate and deceive.

Over the years, I have met many “flatterers.” Can you recognize them? They try to convince you that you are the best thing since sliced bread, when in actuality they are “buttering you up” so they can ask you for a special favor, make you do what they want, or try to sway you away from God’s purpose for your life.

If the people around you aren’t willing to tell you, in love, when you mess up, they are not pulling for your success.

Also, do not be quick to tell everyone about every plan, every problem, and every pursuit of your life. Those things are reserved for those who can be trusted with holding you up and pushing you toward success.

If you do not live for the praise of men, you will not die when they criticize you.

Practical Application

Make sure that, as a friend, you speak words of grace, truth, and encouragement. Build people up, don’t tear them down, and don’t speak well of people with ulterior motives. How can you sow life with your words today?

Leviticus 19:16; Proverbs 13:3