The Power of a Word

 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.”  Proverbs 25:11

Oh, the power of a word! How scarcely do we comprehend the might of the spoken message: to set ablaze a heart with zeal, or reduce a reputation to ashes…to bolster the spirits of the weak or destroy the will of the strong...to commend or condemn…to praise or put down…to encourage or inhibit...to heal or wound…to reconcile or alienate…to inspire or inflame! Such is the power of the tongue. 

 It may be that among the sins of the tongue, ranking right along with abuse in the sight of God, is neglect. Perhaps it is as much what we fail to say that we ought as what we say that we ought not that displeases the Lord. A word uttered at the appropriate time can be of surpassing value in providing comfort, inspiration or determination. We may sin against others when we withhold from them the legitimate praise that would strengthen their hearts and hands for the challenges and crises of the day. 

Someone has written the following verses that fit the thought perfectly.

If you hear a kind word spoken

Of some worthy soul you know,

It may fill his heart with sunshine

If you’d only tell him so.

If a deed, however humble,

Helps you on your way to do,

Seek the one whose hand has helped you,

Seek him out and tell him so.

If your heart is touched and tendered

Toward a sinner lost and low

It might help him to do better

If you’d only tell him so.

Larry Fluitt

San Angelo, Texas