Job 19:2, "How long will ye vex my soul, and break me in pieces with words?"

As we all know Job has been under fire in the midst of a great test and his friends have wounded him by the judgmental nature of the words they have spoken.  There are many types of abuse in the world, all of which are hideous, and yet probably one of the most common forms of abuse is verbal.  I am not one to jump to the aid of someone who utilizes excuses for their failure, it seems we live in an excuse laden society (having dismissed the need for personal responsibility), people want to claim abuse when there is none (like corporal punishment), but I am very much opposed to the actions of those who are abusive with their words.  

Colossians 4:6 states, "Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man."

One thing about speech is that it is more important and powerful than we realize. God's Word has much to say about our speech.  As a matter of fact it says that we will give an account for every idle word (Matthew 12:36).  There isn't anything that we say that isn't judged by the Lord.  In Colossians 4:6, two things are mentioned about our speech:  it is to be with grace, and seasoned with salt.  Salt is a preservative and I think as such we need to say things that make for keeping things good rather than becoming rotten.  Then the grace aspect is obvious.  We need to speak with kindness and consideration.

Let's be careful what we say!  Words can either wound and injure or they can encourage and build up.  

Your Friend and HIS,

Pastor Abbott

QUESTIONS TO PONDER

1. How would you judge the way you speak to others?

2. Have there been occasions where you spoke hurtful words to someone else? Why did you speak to them in such a manner? What did you think it would accomplish?

3. Will you make an effort to make sure to speak with kindness and consideration?