We live in a society that praises quick wit and cutting sarcasm. In the age of social media, if we have nothing to say, no one will notice us. We are given a stage, not only to be noticed, but to stroke our prides and shout about how great we are (and how great our thoughts, kids, dogs, houses, and recreational enjoyment are).
We are encouraged to "speak our minds" and "stand up for our rights" on a constant basis. Children who are naturally of a quiet or reserved nature are objects of worry by parents and teachers who believe they will have trouble acclimating to the culture around them. If we choose not to speak, there must be something wrong with us.
We have a fear of silence. And waiting. We like to quickly and passionately share our thoughts with those around us, regardless of the need or timing. I am no different. It is because of this tendency that I have recently been soaking in Proverbs 12:18. This verse tells me that, "There is one who speaks rashly like the thrusts of a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing." That verse has spoken volumes to me. Do you know the definition of "rash"? It is "characterized by ill-considered haste or boldness." How often do I respond to someone (well-intentioned, or not) with "ill-considered haste"? How often do I speak passionately about a truth that certainly needs defending, but in an unthoughtful manner that cuts as a sword might? If I am speaking the truth to a person, but failing to couple it with love, that truth will likely fall short of earshot. More than that, my lack of love could cause the receiver to respond with anger and thus be less receptive to the truth at a future time.
What I love about the verse is that Proverbs 12:18 does not tell us to never speak. It says to speak. It says to speak in a way that will bring healing to the hearer. What could we speak that would bring healing? What words would work as a salve for the soul? Loving, gracious words. Words filled with the Spirit of God and His changeless truth. Yes, while truth cannot be complete without love, love also cannot be complete without truth. They belong together and should never be separated. The reason that we must often wait to speak is because we tend to forsake one of these when responding quickly. We must wait and pray, and seek the Holy Spirit's guidance before speaking in a manner that would share God's love and grace, and display His Name glorified to the hearer.
There is no other book like the bible. In one of its verses there is enough wisdom to keep my head spinning for a lifetime. It chips away at my thoughtless tongue, my self-seeking nature, my pride, and my lack of self-control. Oh, to have a tongue that brings healing!
We are encouraged to "speak our minds" and "stand up for our rights" on a constant basis. Children who are naturally of a quiet or reserved nature are objects of worry by parents and teachers who believe they will have trouble acclimating to the culture around them. If we choose not to speak, there must be something wrong with us.
We have a fear of silence. And waiting. We like to quickly and passionately share our thoughts with those around us, regardless of the need or timing. I am no different. It is because of this tendency that I have recently been soaking in Proverbs 12:18. This verse tells me that, "There is one who speaks rashly like the thrusts of a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing." That verse has spoken volumes to me. Do you know the definition of "rash"? It is "characterized by ill-considered haste or boldness." How often do I respond to someone (well-intentioned, or not) with "ill-considered haste"? How often do I speak passionately about a truth that certainly needs defending, but in an unthoughtful manner that cuts as a sword might? If I am speaking the truth to a person, but failing to couple it with love, that truth will likely fall short of earshot. More than that, my lack of love could cause the receiver to respond with anger and thus be less receptive to the truth at a future time.
What I love about the verse is that Proverbs 12:18 does not tell us to never speak. It says to speak. It says to speak in a way that will bring healing to the hearer. What could we speak that would bring healing? What words would work as a salve for the soul? Loving, gracious words. Words filled with the Spirit of God and His changeless truth. Yes, while truth cannot be complete without love, love also cannot be complete without truth. They belong together and should never be separated. The reason that we must often wait to speak is because we tend to forsake one of these when responding quickly. We must wait and pray, and seek the Holy Spirit's guidance before speaking in a manner that would share God's love and grace, and display His Name glorified to the hearer.
There is no other book like the bible. In one of its verses there is enough wisdom to keep my head spinning for a lifetime. It chips away at my thoughtless tongue, my self-seeking nature, my pride, and my lack of self-control. Oh, to have a tongue that brings healing!
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