Words: they are every where. They cascade out of our keyboards and run like swollen rivers across the plains of the internet. They burst forth from us pouring out everything that dwells in the human heart: beauty, truth, lies, evil, love, hatred, goodness, banality and everything in between.

This flood of words, that wash over us, and that we contribute to, lead us to underestimate their power. But the volume of words doesn’t diminish the power of words at all. Just like the existence of a warehouse of bullets and bombs does not diminish in the slightest the lethalness of a single fired bullet. Words are powerful.

Consider this Proverb from the Bible:

The words of the reckless pierce like swords,
but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
(Proverbs 12:18)

Our words can lift others up, heal and strengthen others. But our words can also pierce and wound.

Craig Broman, who works with Christian workers in Adelaides CBD shared this useful acronym and some of these Proverbs. When it comes to words, we should speak only FACTS - Few, Apt, Calm, True & Sweet.

I thought this was a great way to explore the power of words so we might use our powerful words well.

FACTS

Our words should be Few

The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even-tempered. Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues. (Proverbs 17:27-28)

Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues. (Proverbs 10:19)

Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues. (Proverbs 17:28).

I’m tempted to say more about that last Proverb as it one I need to apply more rigorously. But the less said, the better.

Our words should be Apt

Finding the right words for the right moment isn’t always easy. But it is always loving.

A person finds joy in giving an apt reply— and how good is a timely word! (Proverbs 15:23)

Gold there is, and rubies in abundance, but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel. (Proverbs 20:15)

Apt words are not always words that others might want to hear. Sometimes apt words wound. But for good.

Whoever rebukes a person will in the end gain favor rather than one who has a flattering tongue. (Proverbs 28:23)

Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses. (Proverbs 27:6)

It is right to pause, be patient, and pray (if you have a trust in God), so that we might speak apt words. Words that will be heard when they are needed.

Our words should be Calm

Hot words, those with the heat of anger, rarely resolve things. Instead, they often pour petrol on smouldering issues.

A quick-tempered person does foolish things, and the one who devises evil schemes is hated. (Proverbs 14:17)

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. (Proverbs 15:1)

Not only that, but hot words, often reveal an angry heart.

An angry person stirs up conflict, and a hot-tempered person commits many sins. (Proverbs 29:22 )

If our words are rarely calm we may need to come to God for some serious heart work.

Our words should be TRUE

An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips. Proverbs 24:26

A false witness will not go unpunished and whoever pours out lies will perish. (Proverbs 19:9)

True words are beautiful. True words created trust. True words reflect faithful character while lies will be caught by God, sooner or later.

Not only that but true words that last. They have an impact beyond the moment.

Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment. (Proverbs 12:19)

While, I’m not sure, how this works for our words in general, this is certainly true regarding God’s promises. He has spoken words that will always be true: such as, his King, Jesus Christ will rule forever. And, that those that trust his King will be his forever.

And when we share these promises with others, in the gospel, we also speak true words that shape eternity. Even other peoples’ eternities! Truth matters.

Finally, in this short exploration of words.

Our words should be Sweet

One who loves a pure heart and who speaks with grace will have the king for a friend. (Proverbs 22:11)

Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. (Proverbs 16:24)

Our words ought to gracious. This isn’t about old world values but gospel graciousness. Our words ought to be words of undeserved favour to all. If you’re a Christian, you’ve been shown mercy and so you should speak with mercy.

These sweet words, these gracious words, also point us toward the Saviour, Jesus Christ. He spoke both the sweetest and most powerful words in human history. They are words we need to hear. They are recorded for us in the Gospels.

Let’s consider the smallest sample of Jesus’ words below. This verse confronted me with the exclusive claims that Jesus makes.

‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’ (John 14:6)

Those are sweet words - there is a way to the Father. We can enter into that friendship and intimacy that we were made for - a friendship with God himself. Those words are also gracious words - we didn’t make the way, the way was made for us by God himself through Jesus Christ.

Jesus’ words are powerful and sweet. And our words can be too. When we speak of him, our words will bring healing to many hearts. When we have a heart of compassion like he had for others our words can be life changing.

Finally the temple guards went back to the chief priests and Pharisees, who asked them, “Why didn’t you bring Jesus in?” 

“No one ever spoke the way this man does,” the guards declared. (John 7:45-46  )