Words are wonderful. They can enlighten, encourage, instruct, inform, comfort and heal. However, words are also dangerous. They can obscure, deceive, discourage, misinform and hurt. Even when it is not our intention to damage or to wrong, our words can lead to misunderstandings. Our own words can ensnare us or make us look foolish. No wonder King Solomon wrote, “When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.” (Proverbs 10:19 NIV) It is true that the more we say, the more words we utter or write, the greater the chance is that we will say something which is wrong or inappropriate; the greater opportunity we have to cause harm, to give grief or hurt someone.
How can we avoid the sin into which our words so often lead us? Solomon pointed to the solution when he said that the wise hold their tongues. It really isn’t necessary to always say everything which comes to mind? James writes, “We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check.” (James 3:2 NIV) So, one way we can reduce the number of our faults is simply to speak and say less: To exercise control over our tongues instead of allowing our tongues to control us.
In the rest of his letter, James gives several practical examples of how we should control our words. One of them is this: “Above all, my brothers, do not swear – not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. Let your “Yes” be yes, and your “No,” no, or you will be condemned.” (James 5:12 NIV) One lesson is that if we never take an oath or make a vow, then we cannot be held liable for breaking our oath or vow if, in spite of our intentions and best efforts, we are unable to fulfill what we said we would do.
What do our words say about us? Do we allow our tongues to lead us into sin? Do we use our words to hurt and wound others or, do our words comfort, encourage and help others to live for God? Would the world be a better place if we said less? Would we be better people if we said less?