Stupid Words?

The talking heads on television are amazing in that they just keep talking, and talking, and talking. Panels of 'wise men' inform us of the right course of action for our nation's ills, each convinced of his superior insights. Have Bill Bennett, James Carville, or Ann Coulter ever taken a moment to reflect on their bombast? I love to watch football, but when John Madden is calling the game, I turn off the sound from time to time, just to avoid his endless blather. Instead of helping me enjoy the game, the words that spill out of him just get in the way.

Wasted words, if piled up, would make the world's largest garbage dump. We humans have a love of talk which quickly gets us into trouble. When we think we just have to say something if we want to appear informed, clever, or included; we quickly wander into the realm of toxic speech. "Me, too," is a quick way to dig ourselves a hole from which is it tough to escape. Conversation is a great gift and those who know how to share their knowledge and/or life with others over a cup of coffee enjoy a real advantage in the world. But, gossiping about others, which is what happens too frequently, has no good end. Boasting about our achievements quickly leads us to lying. Trying to address issues of which we have no real knowledge will soon bring folly to light.

Paul wrote a couple of letters to a young preacher he loved like his own son. His counsel to Timothy is now part of the inspired Word, wisdom for all ages. In his second letter to Timothy, he says, "Remind everyone about these things, and command them in God’s presence to stop fighting over words. Such arguments are useless, and they can ruin those who hear them. ... Avoid worthless, foolish talk that only leads to more godless behavior. ... Again I say, don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights." (2 Timothy 2:23, NLT) What wisdom!

James is equally direct. He says, "If you claim to be religious but don’t control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless. " (James 1:26, NLT) In Proverbs, that book packed with pithy wisdom, we are advised that "Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut." (Proverbs 10:19, NLT) Consider this: "Fools are undone by their big mouths; their souls are crushed by their words." (Proverbs 18:7, The Message)

Yes, words can bless, heal, and encourage. "A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver." (Proverbs 25:11, NIV)

Think of those conversations that have left you with a joyful heart, or with insight that was critically important. Don't you want your words to have that kind of impact on others? I sure do!

So, let us pray this today: "May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer." (Psalm 19:14, NIV)
__________________________