Words Matter

Proverbs 18:21 (The Message)
Words kill, words give life;
they're either poison or fruit—you choose.

I love the translation of this verse. It puts the purpose/consequence of our words in such a simplistic way.
The words we speak are impactful.

People I talk to will tell me at times that there are things people have said to them as a child/teenager that still have a relevant impact in their lives. The very essence of the remark, threat, praise, word of affirmation, or encouragement has a profound impact on who they are currently.

These words can undoubtedly be positive in nature, as seeds of confidence and affirmation blossom into self-worth and a high level of self-efficacy as a young adult.
However, there are cases where words tear down, dismantle self identity, and produce a sense of incompetence. It is astounding and frankly quite bewildering to me to see how we pass on words, remarks, and statements so haphazardly, without a conscious awareness of what they are actually doing to the person. That casual statement about somebodies appearance, performance, characteristic, or intelligence sticks so much longer than we realize.

We may have heard stories or even better, have experienced a situation where a parent, coach, teacher, influential figure speaks a word of praise, encouragement, confidence, or admiration into our lives. What a life giving experience that can be! As we take that and let it edify us, we often see it manifesting itself later on in our lives.
However, the adverse effect of bitter, hateful, cynical criticism/remarks can have a detrimental backlash on the identity and esteem of an individual.

Honestly, I can think back to things people have said to me and even as a 22 year old man, still feel the flight of encouragement it gives to my spirit and heart. However, I can also still feel that sting of certain things spoken over me. My heart burns for people who are lost in their identity and in their self-worth. Those who don't see any value in their lives, in their future. Those who have let the words of man corrode their worth.

The good news is that we/me/us/everybody can change and charge the atmosphere with what we say. Think about the verse above: Our words can KILL (the spirit, mind, emotions, will) or can bring LIFE.
Are we fully aware of what we say? Who we affect? What ONE encouraging word has the potential to do!
It's a powerful thing to realize. Even more powerful is to put it to practice!

I'd encourage everybody to take this verse to heart with the people in their life
Proverbs 16:24
Kind words are like honey--sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.

Stay sweet.

I blow it and mess up with my words at times, we all do but remind yourself to stay sweet. Be an encouragement and speak life to those around you.


Thanks for reading.