Words are Powerful

Have you noticed, the closer a holiday approaches, the larger the crowds in the greeting card section.  I get a kick out of watching folks as they select cards. First, they select a card based on what the card looks like on the outside.  Then they open the card.  Whether they keep the card or whether it goes back on the shelf depends on what they read in the card. Does the card put into words what they cannot?

     Words are powerful. They can build up and they can tear down. In today’s reading, King Solomon shares his wisdom regarding words. 

In Proverbs 4:20-22, he draws attention to what he is about to say.  He does not just say “listen up!”. He explains why what he is about to say is important.  In verses 23-27 he gives very sound advice: watch over your heart, rid yourself of deceitful speech, keep your eyes looking straight ahead, watch your step, do not turn to the right to left, turn from evil.  Good words. Wise words.  They may not be fitting for a greeting card, but certainly are fitting for us to hear and to do.

Bret A.

’63 / ’79  Stewartville MN