Dear SCC & Friends,
But no one can tame the tongue…. ~James 3:8
Reflection #151
Words do matter. The tongue has no bones but is strong enough to break the heart. ~Anon.~ I must admit I like good words that edify and strengthen versus those that tear down and bring unnecessary pain. I once turned down an executive promotion for what I considered a very good reason, but “the boss” didn’t like it. He lit into me and said I’d be nothing but a “first-class ditch digger and loser.” …Looking back, at least he said, “first-class,” be it loser or otherwise. Years later I worked in a different State and industry. I once again had to turn down a promotion that would have changed the direction of my life, but this time my boss said, “Your leaving makes me feel unsettled, as I’ve seen the company blessed over the years you’ve worked here. Which words are we going to believe? …first-class loser or blessing to those around us? Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing. ~Prov. 12:18 NLT… Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a word spoken in right circumstances. ~Prov. 25:11 …Selah…
Our words matter to those we know and influence. …from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be this way. Does a fountain send out from the same opening both fresh and bitter water? ~Jam. 3:10-11 Perhaps you will forget tomorrow the kind words you say today, but the recipient may cherish them for a lifetime. ~Dale Carnegie~ Kind words are like honey sweet to the soul and healthy to the body. ~Prov. 16:24 What a challenge, and what an opportunity. Our culture is full of ambient noise… As Yogi Berra “eloquently reflected,” It was impossible to get a conversation going, everybody was talking too much. Extrovert or introvert it doesn’t matter. …Out of the abundance of the heart our mouth speaks. ~Matt. 12:34 … Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Thy sight. O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. ~Ps. 19:14 His grace is more than sufficient. Keep up the good work!
Bless the Lord,
Kevin