There are two passages assigned for today!
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 64
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
They sharpen their tongues like swords and aim their bitter words like arrows. [Psalms 64:3]
It is said that sticks and stones can break the bones but words can never hurt us…
But words can cause great damage, they can pierce like a sword and penetrate deep like an arrow.
Many people continue to feel the pain of hurtful words long after a physical wound has healed.
Words cut deep to the very depth of our person, our identity, especially when they come from people we love.
Words are not harmless, they are destructive, and we ought to be very cautious as to how we use them.
David’s complaint in this psalm is how his enemies use their words against him, and how damaging they are.
And I tell you this, you must give an account on judgment day for every idle word you speak. The words you say will either acquit you or condemn you. [Matthew 12:36-37]
All people have the ability to speak, but how many have the wisdom or discipline to use words well.
Add to this the fact that we have sinful, selfish and broken hearts that move our tongues, and we understand why there is so much damaging speech.
Jesus stresses the seriousness of the matter, and reminds us that we will one day have to account for the words that we spoke.
Does this seem too much?
Keep in mind that our words reveal our hearts – what comes from our mouths comes from our hearts, it is what is in us [Matthew 12:34].
God can tell what really lives in us by what comes out of our mouths.
Whether we are complainers, or always negative, or self-absorbed in our speech, or critical of others, or quick to spread gossip… these reveal sinful, selfish hearts.
Not only is such speech damaging to others, but it also damages ourselves, closing us off to God and His love and truth.
And if we are Jesus-followers, it is also damaging to His cause; just think how some of the stuff that spews from our lips reflects on Jesus and His cause, when people know that we are christians.
God is working to clean up this world, to get change or remove sinful, selfish hearts and the hurtful words and actions they produce.
David complained to God because he knew God was against such sin and cruelty; he knew that one day God would deal with it!
Jesus stresses that God is still serious about sin and its effects, and is still working to clean things up.
What will He find in our hearts… what do our words reveal about us… what words will He one day bring to our attention, and demand an explanation?
PRAYER:
Lord, I know there are times when the subtle selfishness in my own heart leaks out in what I say. I say subtle because it can hide itself in my external religiousness. Subtle, but no less serious. Help me pay attention to my words, and what they say about my heart. Help me clean my heart, so that my words will be cleaner too.
There is an expression that I use constantly with the students, and therefore also reminding myself of the words we speak, ‘Bite your tongue.’ That is a happening we have all experienced and it may have brought tears to our eyes when it happened. Words carelessly spoken do just that.
Communication must be praiseworthy for His Word tells us in Proverbs, ‘words aptly spoken are like apples of gold in settings of silver.’
I must watch how I speak, because the words that I speak are rooted in what I think – rooted what is in my heart. Renew my heart oh Lord so that I may speak the very words You desire me to speak this day.
1. Lord, speak to me that I may speak
In living echoes of Thy tone;
As Thou hast sought, so let me see
Thy erring children lost and lone.
2. O lead me, Lord, that I may lead The wandering and the wavering feet; O feed me, Lord, that I may feed Thy hungering ones with manna sweet.
3. O teach me, Lord, that I may teach The precious things Thou dost impart; And wing my words, that they may reach The hidden depths of many a heart.
4. O fill me with Thy fullness, Lord, Until my very heart o’erflow In kindling thought and glowing word, Thy love to tell, Thy praise to show.
5. O use me, Lord, use even me, Just as Thou wilt, when, and where, Until Thy blessed face I see, Thy rest, Thy joy, Thy glory share.