a word in edgewise
“Keep reminding people of these things and charge them before God to stop disputing about mere words. This does no good and can be the ruin of those who listen.” —2 Timothy 2:14
Many of us fight about words a lot. We fight about translations of the Bible, “inclusive language,” the wording of prayers, propaganda from so-called pro-choice supporters, and other attempts at verbal manipulation in the media. Some of this fighting about words is godly because we are fighting about the truth (see Sir 4:28) and not just about words. But some of this fighting is “worldly, idle talk” (2 Tm 2:16). We must avoid this at all cost, for “those who indulge in it become more and more godless, and the influence of their talk will spread like the plague” (2 Tm 2:16-17).
Words are much more powerful than many people realize. So-called “idle conversation” is not merely idle; it is dangerous and potentially destructive. Jesus stated: “I assure you, on judgment day people will be held accountable for every unguarded word they speak. By your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned” (Mt 12:36-37). Because words can be so powerful, “if a person is without fault in speech he is a man in the fullest sense, because he can control his entire body” (Jas 3:2).
“Where words are many, sin is not wanting; but he who restrains his lips does well” (Prv 10:19). So let us “hope in silence” (Lam 3:26), be “slow to speak” (Jas 1:19), and, when called by God, speak the truth in love (Eph 4:15).
Prayer: Father, be Lord of my words. Teach me “what to say and how to speak” (Jn 12:49).
Promise: “Jesus approved the insight of this answer and told him, ‘You are not far from the reign of God.’ ” —Mk 12:34
Praise: After St. Norbert gave his life to Jesus, he sold all of his estates and possessions, gave the money to the poor, and traveled barefoot to make his Confession to the pope himself.
Reference: Our Family Vacation with the Lord is June 17-21. This is a great time for the family to have fun and grow closer to the Lord. For details, call 513-373-2397 or see www.presentationministries.com.)
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