Proverbs 15
“Words Words Words
I’m so sick of words
I get words all day through
First from him, now from you
Is that all you blighters can do”
Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady
Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady is transformed by linguist Henry Higgins through the reformation of her language, the way she speaks. I may not admire the male chauvinism in that film and age but the importance of words and how we use them is focused on in several verses in Chapter 15 of Proverbs.
v. 1 “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but harsh words stir up anger.”
v. 4 “The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.”
v.7 “The lips of the wise spread knowledge…”
v. 8 “…the prayer of the righteous please him (God).”
v.23 “A person finds joy in giving an apt reply – “
Eliza bemoans the use of words without actions. Proverbs implies that our words should be congruent with our actions and not manipulation to get our own way deceitfully by lying nor violent and abusive. Our words are to bring life and healing to others and are to cool angry hearts.
As we go about our daily routine today, may we focus on how we use our words. Are we building and encouraging those with whom we interact and giving life or are we gossiping and destroying? I took my husband out to breakfast yesterday morning after lab tests to a small little shop where we could get a waffle and a cup of coffee. Little ole couples and friends were pouring in, laughing as they were merrily greeted and welcomed and obviously “seen and known” as some of the regulars. I could not help but realize that I would come back when I could afford the calories again…or maybe sooner. The waiters had no chaplaincy degree but they were building everyone that came through their door. May we use our words to invest in lives today!
On the Way to Wonder 