It is said that much of communication is non-verbal, but God has designed humans to be creatures of words. Do not underestimate the impact your words have on the people around you. Always strive to glorify God, build up others, and point others to the Scriptures.

Words are important things. Think of how words can be used: words can paint a beautiful scene in a poem or novel; words can stir rebellion as they did during the American Revolution; words can crush a person’s spirit; words can be used to convince during debate; words can be used to encourage a friend. The words you use and the method by which you use them are incredibly important, particularly if you are a husband and/or father. As a man, you can use your words to accomplish a great many things; you can use your words to build up or tear down your wife, your children, your congregants, and your coworkers. Brothers, I write this to your conscience so you consider how you will use your words.

Let us examine a few passages of Scripture which show how to use your words in a God-honoring fashion. Proverbs 12:18 says “There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” Harsh, angry, or careless words are like sword thrusts in that they destroy and cause pain. On the other hand, the words of a wise man bring comfort, confidence, and healing. Think of the wise men in your life and how they speak to their friends and family or how they speak during important times.

James 3:5 also warns “So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire!” Those of you who live in states like California know how large of a wildfire is started by a small campfire or spark. Words can have the same effect! The blaze of an entire movement can be started by a single speech or even a single post on social media.

As men, people look to you in all areas of life; in the workplace, in the home, in the church, and in your neighborhood. It would behoove you to take great care in how and when you use your words. Your words are like the arrows fired from a bow. When you shoot a bow, you take your time, you aim, you control your breathing, and you carefully release the arrow. If you do your job appropriately, the arrow will fly true and have its intended effect, whether that is striking the center ring of a target or striking a kill shot on an animal. If you are careless as you gain your sight picture, or you are impatient as you release your arrow, you will fire wide and possibly miss your intended target or even strike an unintended target! This can cause great danger! If you are careless, you could send an arrow towards people or into the side of a building or car. Likewise, you must carefully direct your words, taking care to shape them and aim them, taking care to fire them to your intended effect. Just like an errant arrow can cause damage, careless words can cause pain, misunderstanding, and confusion.

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