Obsolete

In a say-what’s-on-your-mind culture, words get flung around, overlooked, and trampled like a penny on the ground. Does this mean that our words are becoming obsolete like the penny?

Some people seem to talk just to hear the sound of their own voices. Some talk to draw attention to themselves, good or bad. Others talk in an attempt to prove intelligence, and still others talk as if searching for their own value.

For certain, the more words spoken, the less words heard. The value of words seems to decrease the more words spoken.

Why Bother?

Why bother thinking about if Words Matter, if Tone Matters, or if Timing Matters? What’s the point of considering why you should Check Your Source?

You must give an account on judgment day for every idle (careless, empty) word you speak.” (Matthew 12:36)

Every word. Not some. All of them. Every lazy, thoughtless, pointless word. Every emotionally-wrought word. Every utterance coming out of our mouths. That’s why we bother with considering our words carefully.

The Bible further emphasizes the impact of our words.

“For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” (Matthew 12:37)

“Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.” (James 1:19)

Not only do the words we speak as well as how and when we speak them either strengthen or damage relationships, they also determine the status of our lives after we die. Jesus is ultimately referring to our words about Him, but doesn’t every aspect of ourselves reflect on our relationship with Him? Our words tell of the state of our inner lives, our hearts, and it is this condition with which God is most concerned.

Motivated to Use Caution

Knowing that my words convict or justify me, that they define my character, and that I will be held accountable for every single one of them, motivates me to constantly use caution with my words as well as to continually improve their value. But then I read James 3 and feel defeated, just one verse of it actually.

“No human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.” (James 3:8)

Does this mean my efforts to guard my words are useless? Am I in a battle I cannot win? As long as I seek to fight it under my own power, it does, and I am. Fortunately, God is in the business of making the impossible happen (Matthew 19:26).