Question: Do the words that we use like naming something, have an effect on them. For example, I have heard that if you give a child a name you are speaking that over them every time you call their name. Also in the Bible names often got changed.
This topic is actually very vast. In the upcoming weeks I will talk about words and names and attempt to answer your question or at least offer some insight from scripture. For this week’s Faith Fix let’s look at the book of Proverbs, which has a great deal of wisdom regarding the words we speak.
Proverbs is a book of wisdom. It’s a collection of idioms and sayings that were spoken throughout Israel, especially in the home. The book of Proverbs contains practical advice on how to live wisely and ethically in a way that is easy to remember and apply. It’s important to understand that following or reciting the Proverbs doesn’t guarantee results, but living by these principles will generally lead to more favorable outcomes overall. For this week’s Faith Fix let’s see what wisdom tells us regarding words.
A continual theme is that words can both lead to negative outcomes and positive outcomes especially regarding our relationships with others. Look at the comparing and contrasting used in the following proverbs. Proverbs 12:18 (NIV): “The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” Proverbs 15:1 (NIV): “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Proverbs 15:4 (NIV): “The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.” Have you ever gotten into an argument or disagreement with someone you love? Have you ever said something so mean-hearted you wish you could take it back? Have you ever experienced someone doing the same towards you? Consider how those words created pain that isn’t easily seen but also not easily forgotten. Trust can be destroyed through words and our self-worth can be destroyed through foolish or harsh words. Alternatively, gentle answers or wise responses can stop a situation from going from bad to worse with irreversible damage.
The wisdom scriptures tell us that knowledge and wisdom change the way we speak. Look at Proverbs 17:27 (NIV): “The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even-tempered.” Proverbs 10:19 (NIV): “Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues.” Proverbs 13:3 (NIV): “Those who guard their lips preserve their lives, but those who speak rashly will come to ruin.” You know that the fruit of the born again believer filled with the Spirit of God includes gentleness, patience, kindness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23) This is ever so important when we’re speaking words. Why are words such a topic throughout God’s Word? It’s because words are something we have an abundance of and something that we have the ability to use freely.
Consider the concept of free speech. We are free to speak however we choose but that freedom has often led to more disunity, strife and hatred. Why? Because though we can doesn’t mean we should. This is what God’s wisdom tells us. It’s up to us to put these wisdom principles to practice and as we do, things will go better for us and for those we are called to reach. Consider this first when you consider the importance of words.
Stay tuned for next week as I’ll continue this discussion.
Be Blessed,
Pastor Renée
