I have spent a lot of time in the book of Job over the last few months, and one thing that became convictingly clear is that everyone in the book had much to say, and not one of them was interested in filtering his words before he spoke. Harsh words, accusations, judgments, and insults were swirling around with the speed and intensity of an EF5 tornado. Ironically, Job’s friends’ stated intent in coming to him in the first place was to comfort him in his suffering, but for 36 chapters thoughtless, reckless, critical and harsh words poured out of their mouths adding insult to the injuries of an already broken man.
Job could have really used some healing words from these friends. He would have welcomed a tongue or two of wisdom to act as a balm to his weary and wounded soul. True, the comforts that they originally promised could never have healed his sores and blisters, but it is clear throughout the book that his soul is just as sore and blistered as his skin. Instead of offering wisdom and healing to their friend in his misery, they whipped their words around and pierced his already tattered heart.
I tell my kids all the time, “your words matter”. You can’t just say whatever you want whenever you want however you want. You have to filter your words before they come out of your mouth. I tell this to myself, too, because I’m a naturally wordy person, and filtering before speaking is very unnatural to me. Reading through Job, I recognized and rightly judged the friends for choosing to use their words to pierce their brother, but I also felt uncomfortable conviction because I know I would have likely said many of the same things in that situation. I know that I have sent words swirling around with the speed and intensity of an EF5 as well, and had to sweep up the destruction my whirlwind of words left behind.
Words can’t be all bad, though, and filtering words cannot mean to give up speaking altogether. After the tornadic discourse between Job and his “comforters”, God Himself “spoke into the whirlwind. Jesus is the very Word who was with God and was God. God created by speaking, and throughout human history has spoken through prophets and through Scripture which is God’s Word. God Himself values words and uses words, but His are never reckless. He is intentional with every word that is uttered, and His words give life.
In the same way that the phrase “your words matter” serves as a caution to weigh words carefully, it also serves as an encouragement. “Your words matter” and, once filtered, ought to be spoken. Words have the power to lift up, spur on, temper, and even revive.
Words, wisely spoken, can bring healing. (Oh, what a kindness that would have been to Job!)
I have seen my unfiltered words pierce and destroy, but I have also seen my wise words aid in the healing of hurting people. I would never intentionally choose the first result, but so often I choose the first approach.
As you spend extra time in the car with your kids, around the table with your in-laws, discussing your Christmas budget with your spouse, and "relaxing" on social media, keep in mind that "your words matter," and they can either be a weapon recklessly wielded, or a soothing salve that heals and comforts.
Why add insult to an already injured world when our words could instead bring a balm of healing?
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The next few posts on this blog will not be from me, and I'm so excited! I am going to use my space to share some wise, balmy words from some dear sisters over the next few weeks. During this Christmas season I will share guest posts from a few ladies whose words are like honeycombs, “sweet to the soul and healing to the bones (Proverbs 16:24)”. Stay tuned to hear some unfamiliar voices share their thoughts and hearts about the Christmas season.
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