In order to communicate with other individual's, we must use words. The only way one individual can certainly know what another is thinking or feeling is through the communication of spoken words. Sometimes we take for granted the power of a spoken word. It has been said, “Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me.” How many people have been hurt by works spoken? Since we have this great power of communication, let us use it as the bible commands. We can use the power of a spoken word to accomplish the following:


1. Make A Heavy Heart Glad
Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop; but a good word maketh it glad (Proverbs 12:25). There are so many things in this world which can cause us to have heavy hearts. When the heart is heavy, it makes an individual feel very low. The power of an encouraging word can turn this around. Have you ever had a day when nothing was going your way and a brother or sister in Christ spoke an encouraging word to you? We have the power to brighten someone's day through the words we choose.


2. Turn Away Wrath
A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger (Proverbs 15:1).
We, not only, have great power in the words we speak, but we have great power in how we speak our words. A soft answer turneth away wrath. Have you ever been in a discussion with someone and their tone became louder and harsher and your tone was soft and peaceful? The way we communicate can have a calming affect during a difficult situation. On the other hand, if a person is speaking harshly to you and you return the favor and speak even harsh words, there is no doubt the emotion of anger will be stirred between both individuals. Many times our anger leads to sin, and words are said that are later regretted.


3. Disperse Knowledge
The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish doeth not so (Proverbs 15:7). What is dispersed from your lips? Sometimes, among Christians, everything but the knowledge of God is dispersed. Many Christians specialize in cursing, slandering, gossiping, course talk, and corrupt communication. The wise will disperse knowledge so the hearer can learn something. As Christians, we should dispersing the knowledge of the Lord to our family members, friends, and to one another. Let us carefully examine what is being dispersed from our mouths.


4. Think Before We Speak
The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth our evil things (Proverbs 15:28). We need to carefully examine the words we speak. A person who is righteous will study before giving an answer. The word studieth means to meditate or to ponder before speaking or uttering words. The next time we are ready to give someone else “a piece of our mind”, meditate and think before speaking. Before we are ready to fly off the handle to answer a question someone has posed to us, let us think before answering to ensure we are speaking as the oracles of God.


Words are powerful, and we must be careful how we use them. One day we will be held accountable how we have managed our words (Matthew 12:36). -K.A. Pugh