“The words I have spoken to you are Spirit and they are life.” John 6:33 NIV.

Wise is the one who realizes when enough has been said.

My thoughts and comments today are about “life-giving words.”

All of Creation began with a simple word. “God said, ‘Let there be . .  and there was . .“ See Genesis 1:1-3 NIV. “By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which were seen were not made of things which are visible . . In the beginning the Word already existed . . without Him nothing was made that was made.” Hebrews 11:3/John 1:1-3 NKJV.

Words are powerful. Words inspire great achievements. Words communicate much more than information. Words touch more deeply than the mind. Words penetrate deeper and endure longer. Words generate powerful emotions and actions. Using the example of a ship and its rudder, he wrote, “A tiny rudder makes a huge ship turn wherever the pilot wants it to go, even though the winds are strong. So also is the tongue . .” James 3:4-5 NLT. “We all make many mistakes, but those who control their tongues can also control themselves in every other way.” James 3:2 NLT.

James wrestled with the complexity of words for good or bad, “With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be.” James 3:9-10 NIV. With words, love is expressed; promises are made; hearts are healed; friends are restored, comfort is offered; but also, truth can be compromised; hearts are broken; misinformation is shared; accusations are made; blame is given; friendships are fractured; misunderstandings happen; wars are started. Words can enhearten or dishearten, affirm or accuse, and heal or wound.

Use your words well and wisely, but speak them always with truth and grace. ”Grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” John 1:17 NKJV. See Psalm 55:21 NKJV. There is a time and place for truth or grace, usually best with both. Knowing the difference requires wisdom and sensitivity. Jesus voiced grace and understanding to sinners, but spoke straightforward truth to the self-righteous. Let this be your example: “The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life.” Psalm 6:63 NIV. Jesus’ words are life-giving. Let yours be life-giving as well. See Proverbs 16:23-24 NLT/Romans 14:19 NIV.

The Bible provides wise advice: “Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.” Colossians 4:6 NKJV. When I read Paul’s words, I see my Mom in her kitchen cooking. As she cooked, she would occasionally taste what she was preparing, savoring it momentarily and then adding what was lacking in the slightest measure. She tasted her cooking before she served her family or guests. That’s a good practice with your words. Wise is the one who realizes that sometimes, before much or anything is said, enough has been said. See Proverbs 17:28 NLT.

Here’s the practical, definitive answer: “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O God, my strength and my Redeemer.” Psalm 19:14 NKJV.

My prayer for you today is that your conversation honors God and edifies others.