Wise or Reckless Words?
Won’t you take a few moments today to read this brief post, which I wrote after walking on the track at the gym the other day. While walking, I listened to a book my friend Sharon recommended, Streams in the Wasteland – Finding Spiritual Renewal with the Desert Fathers & Mothers by Andrew Arndt.
The book, Streams in the Wasteland, a look through contemporary eyes at the values and practices of the early Church Desert Fathers and Mothers, is thoughtfully written. During my walk, Arndt’s Insights about “reckless words” in Chapter 7 - Saving Speech, really struck me.
The words of the reckless pierce like swords,
but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
Proverbs 12:18 (NIV)
I’m a word person who also tends to think out loud, and on more than one occasion, I have spoken or written thoughtless, at times “reckless words,” some of which have hurt others. Probably like you, I have also been wounded by “reckless words” spoken or written to me.
Words are potent!
One of my most frequently prayed Scripture prayers for many years has been,
Set a guard over my mouth, Lord;
keep watch over the door of my lips.
Psalm 141:3 (NIV)
Especially in writing this Listening on the Journey … blog, I have prayed about and promised God that I would try very hard to only write words that encourage and “bring healing.”
So much has been communicated about the way in which people are influenced by words heard on television news, talk shows, and social media and how words are weaponized in our various relationships. While I often agree and think many of the admonishments are worth heeding, I don’t want to go there today. The way in which others choose to communicate is a very personal matter, and I hesitate to judge.
Over the past few years, I’ve concluded God has given me one soul to steward, and that is mine. Being careful to guard against “reckless words” is, I am convinced, good stewardship.
Your thoughts are welcome on this timely and sensitive topic that has been plaguing humankind for many centuries!
Blessings on your journey and the words you choose to use!
