Our words make a difference and when it comes to building a better business, what we say can be as important as what we do.
James 3:5
Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider that a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.
Proverbs 15:4
The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.
Our words may seem insignificant in the moment, but they can leave a wide path of destruction in our own life and the lives of others. Don’t be deceived by the tongue’s small size, it can pack a mighty punch. Scripture compares the tongue to a small spark that causes a big forest fire. While the flame may seem small at first, it can cause tremendous damage.
The tongue can speak truth or lies. It can sow good seed or create the perfection condition for strife and division. Our words reveal our hidden motives and the true condition of our heart. If you speak careless words, this demonstrates a foolish attitude or a complete lack of respect for others. If you want to fan flames of evil, repeat a lie or gossip. If you want to produce blessing, speak a word of encouragement or affirmation.
You may not even be the person who causes damage with the tongue in a particular situation. But you can always bring healing by helping others get beyond the negative words of others.
Healing words produce life and encourage others to dare to believe that God can do the impossible. Healing words lead to faith and reconciliation. By contrast, words of deceit can cause us to doubt God’s love for us or His power to move in a tough situation. Deception clouds our vision so that we can’t see things as God does. We see only the negative, including the bad things we have done. All of this drives us away from God and crushes the spirit. That is why it is so important to be careful which voices we listen to and what we say to others.
May our words bring life not be based on deception. In our work environment, we can choose to be the kind of people who seek to solve problems not place blame. We can try to encourage others instead of tear them down. What kind of person do you want to be known for at your job? May you speak healing words at your workplace.
Prayer
Lord, cause me to mind my words and be careful what I saw, so that my words will be a tree of life not a source for hurt or despair. Show me the good in others even those who are hard for me to love. May I speak healing words to my family, friends, co-workers, fellow church members and strangers. Amen!
Editor’s Note: Tree of Life is a column that runs in the Pallet Enterprise that includes a Scripture verse and a thought for the day that can help Christian business people run their lives and companies according to Biblical principles. Submissions are welcome. Please submit your idea to chaille@ireporting.com
