Speak Words Of Encouragement

There is a quote by Mrs. D. E. Clay that speaks volumes:

Sometimes it is necessary for us to speak. At other times it is important that we be quiet. Wisdom comes with knowing the difference.

The Lord in His infinite wisdom created mankind to have two eyes, two ears, but only one mouth and tongue. A blessing in disguise when you think about it.  

I’m amazed by the amount of Scriptures in the book of Proverbs that pertain to speech. Several include the word mouth, and tongue; aptly so; because without one, we couldn’t talk.

The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life. Proverbs 10:11

Where they are many words transgression is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise. Proverbs 10:19

The tongue of the righteous is as choice silver. Proverbs 10:20

The mouth of the righteous flows with wisdom. Proverbs 10:31

The tongue of the wise makes knowledge acceptable. Proverbs 15:2

People will be rewarded for what they say; they will be rewarded by how they speak. What you say can mean life or death. Those who speak with care will be rewarded. Proverbs 18:20-21

The Bible says in Ephesians 4:15 that we’re to “speak the truth in love.” What does this mean?  My interpretation is that we’re to be Christ-like when we speak to others. We must speak with words of kindness, to pay careful attention to not only what we say, but how we say it.  

James 1:19 says, “Everyone is to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger.  I’m a talker and everyone who knows me can attest to this. Truthfully; I’ve asked the Lord to help me to refrain from always having something to say. I need to stop and listen, so I can learn from the knowledge and wisdom shared by others.

Along with James 1:19, there are other verses like “Set a guard over my mouth, LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips” found in Psalm 141:3, and  in Psalm 39:1, “I said to myself, “I will watch what I do and not sin in what I say. I will hold my tongue when the ungodly are around me.”

Yes; wise people are quick to listen and slow to speak. Words can and do harm if not spoken wisely. I suspect we all have blurted out words in haste that can’t be taken back. And there are probably words spoken over us that still sting when called to remembrance. A valuable lesson has been learned. Do you agree?

The Lord gives wisdom. When I’m in doubt of what to say in a given situation, I seek the Lord for direction. “Lord, give me the words to say or keep me quiet.” He has not failed me yet. This has spared me from saying something really hurtful or stupid.

Ephesians 4:29 gives excellent advice on how to speak to others. “When you talk, do not say harmful things, but say what people need – words that will help others become stronger. Then what you say will do good to those to listen to you.”

People all around us need encouragement and we have ample opportunity to give words of encouragement daily. We can start in our home, our church, and in our community. Then we can say as King David did in Psalm 19:14, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my rock and my Redeemer.”