Wise words… shorter sermons?

THE STORY OF JESUS: Proverbs 18
“The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint.” (Proverbs 17:27)
Do we realize how penetrating words can be, how they can heal or hurt?
As one who uses words for a living, I sometimes forget this.
How many people have been blessed by my words without my knowing it?
But the same could be asked for how many people have been hurt.
“The tongue has the power of life and death.” (Proverbs 18:21)
This reminds me of Jesus’ warning about careless words (Matthew 12:36).
As one who likes to be funny, are my attempts at humour risky?
Am I hurting people unintentionally, am I making light of something painful?
I’ve noticed that I tend to say more when I’m less confident of what I want to say.
These scriptures are challenging me to be wise, to speak less and trust more!
“The more the words, the less the meaning, and how does that profit anyone?” (Ecclesiastes 6:11)
“Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak…” (James 1:19)
This is a good reminder to me, to remember the seriousness of words.
Maybe I shorten my sermons and leave more room for the Spirit to speak.
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, You were a master at using words well. Your simple prayer and brief lessons have more power than my lengthy speeches. Help me to trust my words less, and trust Your Spirit more!