Only You Can Prevent "Word Fires"

September 2, 2001
In Bible times, very few things were written in legal contract terms. A man's words were considered binding along with visible outward signs. Genesis 47:28-31 tells about Jacob telling his son Joseph to put his hand under his thigh and promise to bury him in his own homeland: "Jacob lived in Egypt seventeen years, so he lived to be one hundred forty-seven years old. When Israel (Jacob) knew he soon would die, he called his son Joseph to him and said to him, 'If you love me, put your hand under my leg. Promise me you will not bury me in Egypt. When I die, carry me out of Egypt, and bury me where my ancestors are buried.' Joseph answered, 'I will do as you say.' Then Jacob said, 'Promise me.' And Joseph promised him that he would do this. Then Israel worshiped as he leaned on the top of his walking stick." (NCV)

Another type of transaction is told in Ruth 4:7-8: "Now in earlier times in Israel, for the redemption and transfer of property to become final, one party took off his sandal and gave it to the other. This was the method of legalizing transactions in Israel. So the kinsman-redeemer said to Boaz: 'Buy it yourself.' And he removed his sandal."

Words were extremely important then and should be now. Words spoken in ancient times were meant and the person speaking them was held accountable! Words were not "parsed" into political jargon as they are today. Honesty was upheld. Defining simple words as to the meaning of "is" was not tolerated.

The importance of spoken words cannot be overstated. Our spoken words define who we are and they reveal what is in the heart. "...Whatever is in the heart overflows into speech" (Luke 6:45 TLB). "The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit" (Proverbs 18:21 NIV). Once wrong words are spoken, it is difficult to take them back. Harsh words echo again and again in the mind. Sometimes it's best not to say anything: "He who guards his lips guards his life, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin" (Proverbs 13:3 NIV).

It is sad but true that a few wrong words spoken in haste can destroy a relationship that took years to build. Even if an apology is given, scars remain.

Wrong words spoken cut to the core and bruise the soul. If I cannot control my words, I have no self-control. Have you ever tried to argue in a whisper? It can't be done. I will try to remember that the next time I disagree with my husband. There are times when it's best to be quiet, even when I'm right! I kept quiet when he drove 20 miles on the wrong road. I wanted to say "I told you so," but he said he wanted to see the scenery. Sure he did!

The apostle James compares wrong words to a raging fire. (James 3:1-9) I am reminded of this when I see a forest fire out of control on TV. Wrong words spread and rage out of control too, hurting all the ones along the way.

I want to put out the fire with right words. I surely do not want to go around setting fires with wrong words. Once I recognize I cannot reverse the damage wrong words do, I realize all the more how much I need the Holy Spirit's help in controlling my speech. I can be a destroyer or a builder and I do it with my words. I want to be a builder because our words do make a difference. "The right word spoken at the right time is as beautiful as gold apples in a silver bowl" (Proverbs 25:11).

I have borrowed a slogan from "Smoky the Bear:" "Remember, only you can prevent "word" fires!