It’s only words…REALLY?

Probing Proverbs 10:10-13 He who winks the eye causes trouble, And a babbling fool will be ruined. The words of the godly are a life-giving fountain; the words of the wicked conceal violent intentions. Hatred stirs up quarrels, but love makes up for all offenses. Wise words come from the lips of people with understanding, but those lacking sense will be beaten with a rod.

Words…or the lack of them can cause a lot of damage. There is no doubt that there is a big difference between verbal abuse versus physical abuse, but that is like saying there is a big difference between losing $100,000 versus $1,000,000. One does hurt more, but the end remains the same…your still broke. All abuse has as its goal to inflict damage. Obviously, physical abuse is openly over the line, and can leave a person crippled or even dead. No excuse…man or woman…you need to walk away from that act. Even if you are hit first, walk away. Don’t give sin that victory. However, that does not lessen the damage words can do. From emotional scars, to someone giving up on life itself! There are thousands of suicides a year in this world, and the culprit is words…either said by someone or even within the mind of the broken person.

This section of Proverbs points out the power of words. The “winking” eye comes from the Hebrew  קָרַץ:

To compress the eyes (like the lips), to wink with the eyes behind another’s back, as done by a malicious and crafty man.^[1]

The sad truth is that many times when someone should speak up they do not. This leads only to trouble. I am not talking about judging people; I am talking about confronting wrong with right. We do not have to guess what is right; God has given His standard in His book. I am also not suggesting we run around screaming and preaching at individuals, if a person does not want to hear you, you are just wasting your time. Sadly, even in church buildings today, where people come on their own volition, there are topics that will not be talked about, because it is politically incorrect to do so. This has led our society into deep trouble. People living “wrong,” because no one has held up for them to see what “right” is.

Notice the power of words in the rest of this Proverb…for both good and evil. A “babbler” talks just to hear himself talk, and it will lead to his undoing. When someone speaks the words that are from God, it is as refreshing as a fresh spring to a thirsty person. People who are seeking Truth are excited when they encounter it. Words when guided by sin will conceal and hide the reality of what is in the heart. How many young men and women have given themselves away based on the deception of a sinful person? Words that communicate hate do nothing towards peace and will add fuel to any fire. When words are founded in love, they will cover and forgive many wrongs. They will also offer healing to the individual that is hurting.

In the end, we all need to evaluate the source of our words. If we have God granted wisdom and understanding, we will be listened to by others as one that is wise. If our source is the wisdom of this world, based on half-truths and open lies, others will not respect us and if we continue to push our agenda, we will be punished. For some that happens in this life…once their 15 minutes in the spotlight has faded, or they have stepped out of line with the “elite” of this world, they will see how fast the world will turn on them. Some will become the “gurus” of this world’s wisdom, and tragically will not realize it until it is too late, when they face their Maker.

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^[1] Gesenius, W., & Tregelles, S. P. (2003). Gesenius' Hebrew and Chaldee lexicon to the Old Testament Scriptures (745). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.