What are we saying and why are we saying it? After years of either saying nothing out of fear or bursting out with anger or complaints, one of the things we need to learn in recovery is what to say and when to say it. We need to learn to control what we say and speak in ways that encourage others; we need to speak the truth to others in a loving way; we need to give attention to what is important and needs to be said.
Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Those who guard their lips preserve their lives, but those who speak rashly will come to ruin. (Proverbs 16:24, 15:1, 13:3 NIV)
Gossip and blaming don’t help in any situation. Using our words to lie and manipulate and get what we want is more destructive than helpful. It’s time to give these up.
It’s not just words that come out of our mouths we need to watch. In this age of social media, it’s easy to let our words run wild when we think we are anonymously sending tweets or texts. We would do well to think about the impact of our words on others and what our words reveal about us.
Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end. Do you see someone who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for them. (Proverbs 29:11, 20 NIV)
So, what should we be talking about and how should we be saying it? A good rule to follow is to speak to others as we would wish to be spoken to. There’s always a place for kindness and for courtesy. God’s word promises that when we take time to consider what we say, and speak kindly to others, it will bring health to our own bodies.
Prayer: May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. Amen (Psalm 19:14 NLT)
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