The events of the last couple of weeks have demonstrated how volatile our world is, and the public forum suffers from no shortage of rhetoric as it relates to current events. Through our use of words, we have the potential to either heal or deepen the hurt. 

Careless words make matters worse, while carefully chosen words can mend fences, brighten hopes, and soothe hurting hearts. With the abundance of social media, email, texting, and other forms of electronic communication, we have more opportunities to use words now that ever before and with the increased opportunity comes increased responsibility to use those words wisely.

I recently took a Facebook quiz design to determine the size of my vocabulary.  Through my identification of synonyms and antonyms of 50 different words, the quiz determined I have a vocabulary of just over 30,000 words.  I am not sure how accurate the quiz is, but whatever words I use, I must choose in every situation how useful and beneficial my words will be.

Three Ways We Can Use our Words Wisely

As believers, we can learn from Paul’s instruction to the Colossian church about our need to use words wisely.

Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. – Colossians 4:6

1.  Choose to use our words to build up and not tear down.

Ephesians 4:29 contrasts words that corrupt with those that build up.  Words that corrupt include negativity, criticism, gossip, and complaining.  Accusations, prejudice, innuendo also add to the negative rhetoric so prominent in today’s conversations.

On the other hand, positive words paint a picture of a hopeful future.  Encouragement, sympathy, and affirmation shine a light in a dark soul.  We can even engage in necessary confrontation with a positive, encouraging tone.

2.  Consider the possibility that silence may be the best choice of words.

In Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, Solomon reminds us that there is a time and place for contrasting activities.  Among the activities, he lists a time to keep silent and a time to speak.  I must admit that presents one of the greatest challenges to my life. 

Sometimes, we make a better difference by choosing NOT to speak our mind or offer our opinion.  While I believe we should never shy away from speaking to clear moral issues, we often feel the need to verbally express or defend our personal preference as if they were moral absolutes.  Consider that the most encouraging contribution you could make to a conversation might be your silence.

3.  Pay attention to the manner in which we speak as much as the content of our speech.

Proverbs 25:11 tells us that “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.”  Often, the greatest impact – positive or negative – we make on a conversation is the tone we take with the words we say.  Again, Colossians 4:6 reminded us to speak gracious words, as if seasoned with salt.

It is possible for us to say the right thing, but say it in such a way that is counterproductive.  If we want to use our words to heal, we will take pains to state what we need to state in the most palatable fashion.

How will you choose to use your words today?  Do you speak encouraging words in a positive way?  Do you exercise the discipline of silence when it proves more productive?

Let me challenge you to be more intentional with what you say, write, and otherwise communicate.  Our culture, now more than ever, needs to hear voices that build up.  There are enough voices tearing down, lend your voice and words to the task of healing and building up.