I have a favorite children’s sermon I like to do that demonstrates the power of words. I hand a child a paper plate and a full tube of toothpaste and ask them to squeeze out every bit of the toothpaste onto the plate. While they are doing this, we talk about good words that build people up and bad words that tear people down. It is always a little scary to ask the kids for examples of bad words, as I am afraid that they might quote a parent right there in the sanctuary, so I try to confine it to playground talk. This backfired on me one time when a child proclaimed that his daddy, who happened to be our Trustee chair, cussed a lot at home. The fellow sheepishly raised his hand and nodded to the congregation as they laughed. Three months later told me he hadn’t cussed in three months. Kids will call you out!!

Then I take the plate of toothpaste and the empty tube and hand it to another child and ask them to put all the toothpaste back in the tube. It confuses them, and often two or three will try until they all realize it can’t be done. It is the same with words. Once they are out, you can’t take them back.   

Our Scripture passage today makes the same point in a less messy way. The simple truth is that words have power. Words can build people up and strengthen relationships, or they can destroy a person’s ambitions, security, self-esteem, and hope. If you have ever been unfairly criticized by a parent, boss, or co-worker, you know the sting of a word said harshly. 

Proverbs 15:1-7 (Common English Bible)

A sensitive answer turns back wrath,
    but an offensive word stirs up anger.
² The tongue of the wise enhances knowledge,
    but the mouth of a fool gushes with stupidity.
³ The Lord’s eyes are everywhere,
    keeping watch on evil and good people.

⁴ Wholesome speech is a tree of life,
    but dishonest talk breaks the spirit.
⁵ A fool doesn’t like a father’s instruction,
    but those who heed correction are mature.

⁶ Great treasure is in the house of the righteous,
    but the gain of the wicked brings trouble.
⁷ The lips of the wise spread knowledge,
    but the hearts of fools have none.

We can appreciate the direct approach these Proverbs take. The short series of contrasts make the point very clearly. Did you have a favorite? I especially like verse 2: “The tongue of the wise enhances knowledge, but the mouth of a fool gushes with stupidity” (Common English Bible). This can be verified right now by reading people’s comments on Twitter or Facebook. This verse sums up all of the wisdom literature in a concise sentence and is a reminder to us of the importance of seeking wisdom throughout our lives. It also reminds us to stay quiet when we really don’t know what we’re talking about. If only the television pundits would do likewise! We live in an era of misinformation where opinion and agenda are substitutes for factual news and it has left us bereft of the truth.

Fortunately, we who know Jesus know the Truth. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6, Common English Bible). In a world that lacks any conventional or common wisdom, it is imperative that we hold fast to the Truth and teach him to our children. 

As you go about your day, ponder these verses about the power of words. Wholesome speech is indeed a tree of life! (See verse 4.) Are you using your words to build up others, or do you prefer to gossip? Are your words peppered with anger and hurt? Do you need to go and make amends with someone because of something you said?

Words have power. Use them carefully.

Power by Michelle Robertson