Wisdom in Words

The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing (Proverbs 12:18, NIV).

It is often said that wisdom is knowledge applied. But applied to what? To what end? To be wise means to intentionally and intelligently love God with all your heart soul and mind and your neighbor as yourself. Wisdom is not simply knowledge and understanding, but a way of life. One of the interesting things about the book of Proverbs is that it is in essence a collection of succinct, vivid word pictures designed to “show” you what wisdom, this way of life (i.e. living for God through Christ), looks like.

One of the things I have been learning is that in the Scriptures wisdom is viewed not as being amoral but moral. Proverbs 12:18 is a great example of this. Being wise means showing grace, mercy, compassion, and kindness by speaking in such a way as our words bring healing to people.

Words are some of the most powerful things. God illustrated this for us by “speaking” creation into being. I don’t know about you, but I don’t think He needed to speak. Why didn’t He just think it or will it? Why is it important that He spoke it, word by word? I think it was among other things to show us the power of words.

Words can pierce like swords; and I submit to you that they can pierce the heart much deeper than mere steel. That old proverb, “sticks and stones can break my bones but names will never hurt me” is a bunch of malarkey! Verbal abuse has led to many a suicide, showing that Proverbs 18:21 is no exaggeration, The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.

But words can also heal in ways deeper than the best medicine is capable of. Medicine can heal the body, but words can heal the soul a place medicine cannot go.

“I love you any way.”

“I will help you.”

“I’m sorry.”

“I forgive you.”

“I’m not giving up on you.”

“You are beautiful.”

“You are worth it.”

“I love you.”

These are words that breathe life to the dying, that purge poison from the heart, and apply salve to the wounded soul. How differently might we speak, how much more carful would we be, if we were conscious of the power our words have to effect the lives of others for good or ill?