WORDS AS WEAPONS
Noelle McDermott
Today's Scripture:“The words of the wise heard in quiet are better than the shouting of a ruler among fools. Wisdom is better than weapons of war.” Ecclesiastes 9:17-18a, ESV
Theme: Use your words wisely and kindly. They can be powerful weapons—for good or evil.
WEAPONS ON THE WALL
If you’ve seen or simply heard about the famous Rocky films, you’ll know the iconic scene of Rocky running up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. My family visited the museum years ago, and no, we did not have the stamina to run up the steps!
Inside the museum, we encountered an exhibit filled with swords, armor, and halberds, all ornately decorated with intricate designs. Their apparent beauty while on display belied their gruesome use and history. Their intricate designs gave these weapons so much beauty. It was easy to forget that these beautifully displayed weapons are dangerous. I think we can view words that way, also. Words can be arranged in such an entertaining or compelling way that sometimes we forget their edge. Or maybe we can’t help remembering how lacerating words can be. Similar to weapons, words can attack, defend, or display beauty. The question is, how will we use them?
WORDS OF THE WISE
The writer of Ecclesiastes provides an example of wisdom (Ecclesiastes 9:13-16). A great king laid siege to a small and (likely) defenseless city. The odds of surviving the attack didn’t look great. Notice what ended up saving the small city—the wisdom of a “poor, wise man.” This passage serves as a good description of how words and wisdom can defend. A humble person’s wisdom prevents destruction. However, the city does not remember or honor the poor man, despite his contribution.
You don’t need an influential position in your family, among your friends, at your work, or in your church. God can use small conversations and interactions, even ones that you may forget a week later.
WIELDING OUR WORDS
Like the saved city in Ecclesiastes, you might see the impact of your words, or maybe you never will. Regardless, we can’t forget the unique opportunities we have to wield our words well. Wisdom personified in Proverbs says: “She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue” (Proverbs 31:26, ESV). Speak wisdom that points to Christ and pair it with kindness. Without kindness, the wisdom we share may appear harsh, unfeeling, or judgmental.
Consider the example of Jesus. During His ministry, He taught lessons that were hard to hear, and He challenged the people He encountered. But what was His posture? One of arrogance, eager to prove others wrong? Or one of love for His children, and eagerness to restore them?
Make It Personal: Think through your relationships and interactions: your kids, your co-workers, your classmates, your barista, and beyond. Pray that the Holy Spirit will guide you in how you speak to them. Ask Him to reveal His wisdom and kindness if or when you are called to share it.
Pray: God, thank You for the relationships You’ve given me. Help me to be obedient in accomplishing Your purposes here on earth. As I navigate my conversations, will You guide me in using my words well? Please help me not to speak carelessly. I would rather stay silent than misuse these dangerous weapons. I ask for Your wisdom and kindness. Thank You that I don’t have to rely on my own “goodness” or “ability” in speaking wisely and kindly. In Jesus’ Name, amen.
Read: Ecclesiastes 9:13-18; James 3
Weekly Memory Verse: "Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end.” Ecclesiastes 3:11 NLT