A fitting word

Words are powerful.

They can build someone up and tear someone down. They can bring comfort to an aching soul and rise a wounded spirit. They can be forgotten in a moment or saved for a lifetime.

Jesus Christ advises us of just how powerful and how meaningful our words are in Matthew 12:36 " But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give an account thereof in the day of judgment."

Wow.

Every. Idle. Word.

So if we are going to give an account of each one of our words, shouldn't we do our best to make sure our words will not bring us shame on that day of judgment?

Proverbs 25:11 tells us "a word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver." That verse has been on my mind for the past few days now and I just recently realized why. Before I speak, I ought to ask God if the words that are about to come out of my mouth are "fitting" words. Is what I am about to say going to be a benefit or a deterrent? Lord, you know the heart and situation of this person far better than I do, what words would you have me to say to them...

These are statements and prayers that I am working on adding to my thought process before opening my mouth. After studying these verses this week and seeing how much our words can effect each other, it has caused me to take more consideration for my words. I want to give fitting words, not words that will bring down a conversation or words that fuel a fire of discontentment but rather be words of encouragement, words that lift a person.

Words are often remembered long after being spoken or written. I want to make sure my words are worth being remembered.