Sermon Central
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Sweet Talker
Contributed by D Marion Clark on Nov 28, 2017 (message contributor)
Summary: These proverbs lead us to reflect on the most powerful weapon in the world, more powerful than military weapons, than money, than any authority. It is the power of the tongue. Nothing has more power to do good or to do harm.
7 All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, 8 but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.
9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. 10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. 11 Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? 12 My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water (NIV).
We can sense the frustration that James feels over the sins of the tongue. We should not be sinning with our tongues, and yet, who can perfectly control our speech? It is impossible to do perfectly. All the more reason, then, to exercise wisdom in speaking.
24 Gracious words are like a honeycomb,
sweetness to the soul and health to the body.
How did going through the list of injudicious words feel, especially the examples given? Not too pleasant, I would think, especially if they made you think of examples that have been said to you. But gracious words – they are like a honeycomb. Let’s dwell on them for awhile.
Complement: This is a word we often deny we want, but we certainly do enjoy when we receive it. Isn’t it nice to receive an honest complement, especially to get one totally unlooked for? “You really look nice today.” “You made a great contribution.” “That is a great job you did.”
Encouragement: “You can do it; I believe in you.” “You’re going to be okay.” “That’s the way to try.”
Comfort: How good it feels to hear a sympathetic voice when we are hurting. “I’m here for you.” “I’m so sorry.” “I’m praying for you.”
Helpful: “Can you use a hand with that?” “Let’s think through this together.”
Good humored: Sometimes the best thing we can hear when we are down or worried or angry is a good humored remark. There is nothing like a little laugh to perk us up again and help us to see that the end of the world has not come.
Positive: In most bad events and discouraging news, there is something positive. How heartening when someone helps us to see it. There is a gain from what we are going through and we are going to be better in the end.
Attentive: “How are you doing?” spoken honestly, is a meaningful question. “You look like you… could use a friend, could use some cheering up, are new here.” “You seem to have reservations about what’s going on.” It’s nice to have someone take notice when we are feeling reserved.
Listening: “Tell me what you want to say; I’m listening.” “Help me understand what you are feeling.” “Do you mean…?” It is satisfying to talk with someone who is foremost trying to hear what we are saying.
