Words Matter

“Gold there is, and rubies in abundance, but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel.” (Proverbs 20:15, NIV)

How would you describe the tone of your home? Is the atmosphere tense? Are people noisy or argumentative? Or is the tone peaceful and encouraging? The truth is, it’s probably a combination of any or all the above at different times!

Whether we like it or not, we moms are most often the ones who set the tone of the home. And our words are one of the primary ways we do that.

The Bible has a lot to say about our words. When God spoke in the beginning, His words brought life, light, and beauty. Just as God’s words have power, so do ours. One way we reflect who God is to those around us is by our words.

Every day we can choose to use words that bring encouragement, truth, and hope. Or we can speak words that cause hurt, division, and confusion. As moms, we do more than just communicate information to our kids; the words we speak shape young hearts. So, God wants us to be careful with how we wield the enormous power of our words.

The Bible also reminds us that our words reveal what is in our hearts. If a tree isn’t producing fruit, the problem is in the root system. Our real struggle with words is actually a problem with our hearts.

What kind of tone are you setting in your home with your words? Are you speaking life, truth, and encouragement to those around you? Today, make a decision to do exactly that. Ask God to change your words by changing your heart.

Prayer:

Lord, You are a God who speaks. When You communicate, You do so with love, truth, and power. Help my words reflect who You are. Change me from the inside out. Use my words to bring life, joy, peace, and truth to my home. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Reflection Questions:

• What do your words most often reveal about your heart?
• How can you begin to change the tone of your home today by changing your words?