Tag: Words

  • The Power of Words (Part 2)

    The Power of Words (Part 2)

    Hi there, welcome to another blog on The SignPost!

    In a recent blog, I wrote about the Power of Words; please read it if you are yet to do so.

    Here’s an additional perspective as I continued my reading on the book of Acts. Sometimes, we are quick to speak vile and insulting words to people. This is not right.

    James (Jacob) 3:9-10 TPT

    [9] We use our tongue to praise God our Father and then turn around and curse a person who was made in his very image! [10] Out of the same mouth we pour out words of praise one minute and curses the next. My brothers and sisters, this should never be!

    Even more importantly, we are to be mindful of the words we speak about our rulers and God’s servants, even when they are in the wrong.

    In the book of Acts 23, as Paul faced trial, a man named Ananais had ordered Paul to be slapped wrongly. Paul spoke sharply against him, not knowing that he was the high priest. When he was informed and reprimanded for his words, he quickly apologised, stating that we are not to speak evil of our rulers.

    And that brings us to the next point: sometimes words can proceed out of our mouths so fast. If you realise you spoke wrongly, be quick to apologise.

    Let’s get back to the Paul story – I hear you say, even when the ruler is wrong? Yes – even when they are in the wrong. We are not expected to speak harshly to them or about them. That’s not our role. Do you think God doesn’t rebuke His own? Of course He does, so let’s leave the rebuke to God.

    The Message Translation of the Bible clarifies this. Paul explicitly stated that the priest didn’t quite behave right; nonetheless, he apologised.

    Acts 23:5 MSG

    [5] Paul acted surprised. “How was I to know he was Chief Priest? He doesn’t act like a Chief Priest. You’re right, the Scripture does say, ‘Don’t speak abusively to a ruler of the people.’ Sorry.”

    Paul was actually referencing Exodus 22:28, from the Old Testament:

    Exodus 22:28 NLT

    [28] “You must not dishonor God or curse any of your rulers.

    Try to read these passages again, even in different versions and meditate on them. Convince yourself of what the scriptures say and decide to stop this act if it’s something you usually do.

    The scriptures are here to guide us on how we should conduct ourselves; from them we learn, unlearn and relearn each day.

    Were you blessed by this post? Please leave your comments below!

    Remain Blessed.

  • The Power of Words

    The Power of Words

    Hi there, glad that you are here. Again, this week, I continued reading from the book of Acts. This time, I was drawn to the power of words.

    My dear friend, words are powerful. Sometimes, I wonder if there’s power in motivational speaking, coaching and similar engagements, but as I read in the book of Acts this week, I see again the great power in spoken word. Let’s see some examples.

    In Acts 19:28, we see how a man called Demetrius, spoke to a group of fellow silversmiths in the Bible, and as recorded, the words he spoke made their ‘anger boil’ and resulted in a riot.

    Acts of the Apostles 19:28 NLT
    At this their anger boiled, and they began shouting, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!”

    On the other hand, the Mayor spoke words that dispersed the crowd.

    Acts of the Apostles 19:41 NLT
    And when he had said these things, he dismissed the assembly.

    Paul’s friends spoke words that prevented him from going into the crowd, Alexander spoke words that stirred up the crowd and got them shouting for another 2 hours – the power of words [Acts 19:30 – 34].

    What does this mean for us? It means that there is power in the words we speak and in the words we hear also. The words we can speak can stir up people. It can stir up anger. It can stir up the right decision. It can stir up zeal in the right direction.

    In like manner, the words we hear can do the same. We can hear words that will bring up fear in us, or words that will stir us up in courage.

    Which type of words do you speak? What do you listen to, be watchful, for both are very powerful.

    Prayer: Father, may the words that I speak impart grace to those who hear me, and may I guard my ears and only listen to things that are profitable, in Jesus name. Amen 🙏

    “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.”