Words

There’s an old saying that goes “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” Wrong, wrong, wrong! Words can hurt. They can take away hope. They can crush the spirit. They can make people cry. They can make people angry. They can cause people to kill themselves or someone else or both.

But the opposite is also true.

Words can heal. Can encourage. Can uplift, give hope, comfort, calm, bring joy, make people smile or laugh. Words can even make a person decide to keep living.

Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.

Proverbs 12:25 (KJV)

A good word. That could be a compliment, like saying “Hey, you did great!” It could be thanking someone for something they did or said and gave, or telling them “I’m glad you’re my friend.” It might simply be asking them how they are, letting them know you see them and care, telling them you missed them and are glad to see them again, etc.

I have some very amazing friends who’ve given me some wonderful notes. I hang on to those notes and read them every now and then, loving the sweet and encouraging words.

Compliments mean a lot, y’all. Words of encouragement are a treasure. “I love you” and “thank you” and “I’m praying for you” and “I’m here for you”–priceless.

Proverbs 3:27 talks about not holding back from doing good. I’m going to apply it here and say:

Don’t hold back from speaking good words.
If you see something good in someone, tell them.
If you appreciated something someone said, tell them.
If you like someone’s outfit, tell them.
If you admire someone’s singing, tell them.
If you think someone’s talented at (whatever), tell them.
If you liked someone’s food, tell them. (My church is full of good cooks, so fellowship lunch or small group or going to someone’s house for supper is a treat. 🙂 Anyway, off track.)
Let them know you see them, you care about them, you’re praying for them, you’re here if they ever want to talk, etc., etc.
Don’t hold back from doing good.

Speak life.

Death and life are in the power of the tongue…

Proverbs 18:21 (KJV)