Daily Word: Your Words Are Art

Proverbs 25:11-12 say: A word fitly spoken Is like apples of gold in network of silver. As an ear-ring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, So is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear. (ASV) To the Hebrew, speech was very important. Words were not abstract concepts, they were tangible. The JPS Study Bible comments: "Eloquent words--even reprimands--are well-crafted works of art." Have you ever considered your words as "works of art?" What picture or sculpture would your words look like? You can begin to reshape your life by reshaping your words.

I struggle with words sometime. It is so easy to be negative. The world teaches us to be negative. God wants our words to "like apples of gold." He wants our words to be encouraging (even if they are in the form of a reprimand). There is something about human nature that gravitates toward the negative. It is almost like we plan for defeat in case things don't go well so we won't be disappointed. "I don't know why I am competing, I really don't want to win because I would have to travel for the next event." "I really don't want this job, but I will go anyway." Negative talk can defeat you before you ever get started.

Today, I challenge you to listen to your words. Consider what type of art they create. Are they a picture of compassion and mercy? Or, are they harsh and critical? The Talmud says: "Who changes one's place, changes one's luck." The word for "luck" is mazal and it literally means the constellation of the stars. To the Hebrew, the phrase meant, luck comes from coupling our own initiative with the direction and guidance we receive from God. Your initiative will be greatly impacted by your choice of words. So, what art are you creating today?