Choose Your Words

Ah, yes, another daily breadcrumb, this time dated April 19th, urging us to "Choose Your Words." It seems simple enough, doesn't it? A gentle reminder we likely heard in kindergarten. Sticks and stones may break our bones, but words will never hurt me. Except, the very text here rightly refutes that childish adage. Words do hurt. They linger, they wound, they shape the very landscape of the human heart.

Now, a superficial reading might leave us with a saccharine call to be "nice." To sprinkle our conversations with a forced pleasantry, a veneer of politeness. But the Scriptures quoted, Ephesians 4:29, press us toward something far more profound, something that resonates with the very character of God. It doesn't just say, "Don't say bad things." It directs us toward a positive, a constructive purpose: "Don't say anything that would hurt another person. Instead, speak only what is good so that you can give help wherever it is needed. That way, what you say will help those who hear you."

Consider that. Our speech isn't merely about avoiding offense; it's a tool for edification. It's about building up, offering succor, meeting a genuine need in the person before us. This isn't about being a people-pleaser, uttering insincere flatteries. Rather, it demands a deep awareness of the other, a sensitivity to their vulnerabilities, and a commitment to speaking truth in love (as the broader context of Ephesians makes clear).

Think about the apostle Paul's words to Timothy, highlighted here. "I always remember you in my prayers, and I thank God for you." "I want to see you so I can be filled with joy." "Timothy, you are like a son to me. Be strong in the grace we have in Christ!" These weren't just pleasantries; they were affirmations of worth, expressions of deep affection, and powerful encouragements to persevere in a difficult calling. Paul's words weren't empty calories; they were spiritual nourishment.

The image of "gold apples in a silver bowl" from Proverbs speaks to the beauty and value of well-chosen words. They are not just functional; they possess an aesthetic quality, a richness that delights and endures. They are carefully considered, presented with grace, and carry a weight of genuine care.

This isn't about mastering some linguistic formula or adhering to a rigid set of rules. It's about cultivating a heart that reflects the love of Christ. Just as God's Word is life-giving and transformative, so too should our words be. They should be marked by grace, truth, and a desire to see others flourish.

The "Fun Fact" at the bottom, noting the vast vocabulary of young children, serves as a subtle challenge. We possess the capacity for a multitude of words, yet how often do we consciously choose those that truly heal and help?

So, as we navigate this day, let us not merely filter out the negative. Let us actively seek opportunities to speak words that are good, that offer help, that build up the weary. Let our speech be a reflection of the gospel itself – a message of hope, love, and redemption, carefully crafted and offered with genuine care. For in choosing our words wisely, we participate in God's own work of restoring and renewing the world, one conversation at a time.