Sharper!

Some people are pretty sharp and I’m not referring to intelligence. It’s the pointed words they use which cut and gouge, slice and dice, pierce and stab, destroying confidence and mutilating relationships. There is POWER IN WORDS and that power is often abused.

David referred to those…
“(3) who whet their TONGUES LIKE SWORDS, who aim BITTER WORDS LIKE ARROWS, (4) SHOOTING FROM AMBUSH at the blameless, SHOOTING AT HIM SUDDENLY and without fear. (5) They hold fast to their evil purpose; they TALK OF LAYING SNARES secretly, thinking, who can see them?” ( Psalm 64:3-5 ESV)

Perhaps we have been inflicted by those sharp jabs of the tongue and the piercing arrows of words shot our direction. We are also most likely guilty on occasion of being the inflictor of the same. We need to give serious thought to the impact of OUR WORDS even as we recognize we may not be able to completely avoid being on the receiving end of such pierces and stabs.

David went on to note the encouragement he had in the face of such experiences.
“(7) BUT GOD SHOOTS HIS ARROW AT THEM; THEY ARE WOUNDED SUDDENLY. (8) They are brought to ruin, with THEIR OWN TONGUES TURNED AGAINST THEM; all who see them will wag their heads.” ( Psalm 64:7-8 ESV)

God’s words of judgment and righteousness are even sharper than those mankind may strike with or shoot. That which some have used against others, God will turn on themselves. David was encouraged in view of God ultimately dealing with those who opposed him. Therefore he would rejoice and take his refuge in God. ( Psalm 64:10)

The Hebrew writer also drew attention to the POWER IN THE WORDS of God.
“(12) For the word of God is living and active, SHARPER THAN ANY TWO-EDGED SWORD, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” ( Hebrews 4:12 ESV)

The POWER IN THE WORD of God can be described as that which is able to conquer all that stand against it (note Revelation 19:15 and surrounding verses), as well as a “scalpel” in the trained surgeon’s hand to cut away that which must be separated from us in order to preserve the spiritual health of our life. May we allow the POWER OF GOD’S WORD to work its intended purpose in our life while we consider the POWER OF OUR WORDS on the lives of others.

Have a great day FOCUSING ON SPEECH’S PREFERABLE POWER!
Carl

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