What We Say and How We Say It

Growing up many of us likely struggled with different “sayings”. I know I did and my kids struggled as they grew up too. Phrases like “where the rubber meets the road” or hearing someone on TV say “put your money where your mouth is” ran through my head without me even knowing what they meant. I did however hear one that had escaped my ears until I became an adult and it has some biblical implications. “You catch more flies with honey than you do with vinegar”.

The meaning of this saying shows up in multiple places in the Bible but perhaps most succinctly in Proverbs 15:1, “A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.” (NLT) 

The book of Proverbs is a book chock full of wisdom for men and women of God, and in the fifteenth chapter the wisdom extends to our words and even our tone. The chapter encourages children to be obedient to parents and not despise their wisdom. But it also tells those of us who are adults to be careful with what we say and how we say it. 

I’m sure over the years we have all had instances where someone says something to us and it is so encouraging and uplifting. I’m also sure the opposite has been the case. “Gentle words are a tree of life…” (Prov 15:4, NLT), so speak those kind words to someone today!

In His Service,

Pastor Jared