Words matter. Wise Words matter most. The wisest words found on the earth in any printed material are found in the Bible. The wisest thing which anyone can do is read it, discern it, believe it, and live it. However for many there is an extra step which gets worked in. Although it is a necessary step, it is often entangled in the interpretation of the deliverer. That is “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”(Romans 10:17) Most would understand this to mean that someone else has to help you in order for you to get the right meaning from the Scriptures. The Ethiopian Eunuch said after Phillip asked him if he understood what he was reading in the scroll of Isaiah, “How can I, except some man should guide me?”(Acts 8:31) While it is helpful at times to have a knowledgeable voice give their understanding, it is not a replacement for allowing God the Holy Spirit to impart precise understanding from the author to the heart of the hearer. For in so “helping” over the years we have become Calvinists and Campbellites, Armenianists and antagonists. Our entire system of separatist denominationalism springs from one understanding being heralded over another. So it no longer becomes a matter of the truth of the words intended by the author but rather it has devolved into a competition of who can persuade men’s minds to rally to their point of view.
Words matter. Wise Words matter most. Unwise words are those which divide not only brethren who are united in love as one body but cause discord among the body (Proverbs 6:19). Unwise words say they alone are correct and any other view is satanically inspired. Wise words acknowledge differences and seek the scriptures to find the mind of Christ. Here is the problem in short. No scripture is of any private interpretation (2Peter 1:20). Scripture defines Scripture and its truth is revealed by God the Holy Spirit through careful seeking in meditations and fastings and prayers. Or He might just thunk you on the head and say “Hey, listen up!” Imagine picking up a repair manual for a sophisticated nuclear weapon and reading only pages fifty one through seventy two and then brandishing a tool intent on safely maintaining the device. Or maybe reading a prize winning recipe and having someone explain why it should not include certain ingredients. Neither of these are very clever analogies but they illustrate the point that in order to best comprehend a matter all the words pertaining to it must be examined faithfully, prudently and in the case of spiritual matters, in full cooperation with the author of the words Himself. Cooperation means He speaks, you listen, He is always right, you are right only when you fully agree with Him. It is a good thing to use His method of determining who is speaking to you (1John 4:1-3).
Words matter. Wise Words matter most. Wise words unite the body, allow for perceptual differences without compromising truth and seek to allow the Scripture to be heard over their own words. For example, what is red? Is it pinkish as blood mingled with water, or brilliant crimson, or somewhere in between or maybe all of the above? Is baptism any consecrated act involving water or is it only a full immersion? What is the significance of making allowances for contrary positions? Is communion only to be taken with actual wine and unleavened bread or does the symbolism matter more than the form? Do we allow for certain activities to be counted as sin and others as socially acceptable and therefore find ourselves standing contrary to Scripture due to our stand?
Is there room for differences or must everyone whom we would maintain close fellowship with be required to adhere strictly to our narrow interpretation? Do we, as the Bereans, receive the word with all readiness of mind, and search the scriptures daily, whether those things were so? (Acts 17:10-12) It is not surprising that we should have differences as even Paul and Peter had differences to work through. Sometimes agreeing to disagree agreeably is a well-reasoned approach. Yet it does not give the satisfaction of being right. It is important in this consideration to recall that although we, as believers, are all on the same journey, we are not at the same place or time in that journey. We are influenced by myriad sources and not all of them holy. Wise words however might conclude that there are times when it is more Godly to be righteous than right.
Words matter. Wise Words matter most. When determining whether your words are words which should be observed because they are wise, others must measure them by the only true standard of truth we have, God’s Word. Is it wise to say, to insist, to demand, to repeat ad nauseam in order to drive your perspective home? Is it wise to allow what you perceive to be an error to be espoused unchallenged? Which line should be boldly crossed with the truth tempered by wisdom? Which word of the moment should be allowed to pass unfettered for wisdom’s sake? We often tremble under the cloud of these questions. Yet the Lord said “Thy Word is truth.” (John 17:17) Not our interpretation of it, but what He said. What He said He meant and meant it as everlasting truth.
We who use the Word know the power of suggestion and how to present words in order to persuasively manipulate people to perform at our dictates. Those who resist are often discredited as unresponsive or unspiritual. However the proper intent of using words which are wise beyond our meager understanding is that God Himself will so superintend their impact upon the minds of the hearers that it will achieve His purpose.
Words matter. Wise Words matter most. Why do they matter? I think because the LORD knows the thoughts He thinks toward us (Jeremiah 29:11). He has an expected end in mind for us. He intends to hear and answer our prayers. He intends to pour His wise words into you, your heart, your mind, and your soul. He expects to have an impact on you physically, emotionally and spiritually. He knows what your response is even before you formulate it. He said so in His Word (Exodus 4:1). Wise words heal, restore, build up, protect, rebuke sin, project love, encourage and much more. Woeful words wound, wrest, weaken and waste. Wise words are carefully chosen, prayerfully pondered, purposely presented while knowing that there are none so blind as those who will not see nor as deaf as those who refuse to hear.(Malachi 2:2) The results are up to the LORD. We, you and I, must choose our words wisely. We cannot exaggerate words hoping to improve upon what God will do. We must simply, honestly, faithfully, present words which are pleasing to Him so He might be pleased to use them. Words matter. Wise Words matter most.