Proverbs 25:11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.
This brief passage of scripture tells us that the use of choice words in our interaction with each other, is desirable and should be carefully cultivated as a tender plant. The word "Fitly" refers to words that are appropriate, which for a Christian should never include fault finding or slander. When we speak, our words and attitudes should have the effect of peace and tranquility, instead of abuse or confrontation. The general tenor of the Christian's speech should be to uplift, not to pull down, and the reason why this is important is because the Holy Spirit is often grieved by our angry outbursts, which fall as shrapnel on the ears of hearers.
After Peter had denied Christ vehemently with cursing and swearing, Jesus did not again regurgitate the horrible experience, but rather sought to heal the wounded heart of His disciple by making special reference to him through the angel that was sent to announce Christ's resurrection. Let's read:
Mark 16:6 And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him. 7 But go your way, tell his disciples and Peter that he goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see him, as he said unto you.
By making special mention of Peter, the angel was addressing his innermost feelings of utter discouragement and embarrassment at his denial of Christ. In other words, God was saying to Peter, I've got your back. What is worthy of note too, is the way that Jesus brought healing, restoration, and reinstatement to Peter, not in angry words of bitter recrimination, but rather by a reconfirmation of his love. Let's read:
John 21:15 So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. 16 He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
This method of using words as a power for good, should be adopted and implemented by all Christians, and it can be done only through the presence of the Holy Spirit in our hearts. As we interact daily with our fellowmen, coming across different circumstances and different attitudes that threaten our sanity and peace, let's remember the example of the Lord Jesus Christ, who only used words that were "Fitly spoken" in His conversations and responses, for if we keep Christ ever before our mind's eye, we will not stumble in darkness, but will walk in the light even as He also is in the light.
We therefore end with a passage of scripture reminding us to use choice words, and to manifest godly attitudes as we seek to emulate the life and teachings of Christ. Let's read:
1st Peter 2:1 Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, 2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: 21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: 22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: 23 Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously.
May this passage of scripture enable us to use our words as a power for good. God bless!