There is such a difference between Building something and
Tearing something down. I have a friend
who is the administrator of as large Christian Camp. The easiest time they have getting volunteers
is when they are doing demolition - tearing down a shed or barn or old
structure. It is a whole lot harder to
get volunteers to help to build or construct something. The reason is that it takes little or no
skill to tear something down - anyone can swing a sledge hammer and break
things up. However, when you are
building something you have to have skill, or it will not be made
correctly. Tearing down a wall is a
whole lot easier than building a square, strong wall. Please keep that in mind as we look at the
following verses.
Proverbs 12:18 (NET) Speaking recklessly is like the
thrusts of a sword, but the words of the wise bring healing.
Speaking carelessly, without thinking first, causes as much
destruction as someone swinging a sword wildly around. None of us would dream of going into a room
full of people and swinging a sword around.
That would be harmful and destructive.
That is why the writer of the proverb used such strong language. Words are powerful they can be used to hurt
people or to help people. They can cause
deadly damage or they can bring healing.
How am I using my words?
Ephesians 4:29 (NIV)
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what
is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit
those who listen.
Paul wanted to encourage the Christians in Ephesus to use
their words to help, to encourage, and to build up. Do NOT speak in unwholesome ways - in
destructive ways, in ways that are harmful.
Make sure the words you speak are HELPFUL for building up. Which is easier to tear down or build
up? Tearing down takes very little skill
in the world of construction as well as in our relationships with others. That is why it is important to remember that
we are called to build up, we are to think of the other persons NEEDS - not our
own. I may want to let loose and vent my
anger or frustration but if there is someone around I must first ask will this
be helpful to them or will it hurt them?
If it does not build up and help then I must NOT speak. The last thing Paul says is that our words
should BENEFIT those who listen. We are
supposed to think before we speak so that our words will build others up, so
that others will benefit from the things we say. If there is NO benefit to the other person in
my words then I should remain silent. My
words must build others up, must be helpful to them in their need, and they
must profitable for the other person. If
I do this then I can say that I am truly honoring the LORD God with my
words.
PRAYER: Lord Jesus, help me to think before I speak. Help me to think clearly and to speak wisely and to consider the impact of my words on others. May I use my words to build up NEVER to tear down.
