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Toxic Words

by Toni Babcock  
2/03/2022 / Devotionals

Did you ever get a sick feeling in the pit of your stomach listening to people attack one another with words?   If you grew up in a home full of fighting like I did as a child, you might be super-sensitive to the ill sense that rises up from within, but most ordinary Christians are discerning enough to know when words, and the spirit behind those words becomes toxic and detrimental to all.   

Paul wrote in his letter to Timothy to teach others “…not to fight about words, this is useless and leads to the ruin of those who listen,” (2 Timothy 2:14 CSB).

Words can bring ruin to those who listen. This means words affect my testimony for Christ.  It means when I’m drawn into an argument, it’s important I discern whether it’s about me getting my comeuppance with an opponent, or about me being mindful of what I say—to the gain of all who listen.    

The apostle Paul wrote “Act wisely toward outsiders, making the most of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you should answer each person,” (Colossians 4:5-6 CSB).  When settling any dispute I should ask myself, am I mud-slinging with words or am I sprinkling the savor of Christ?

Paul wrote to the Thessalonians, “See to it that no one repays evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good for one another and for all,” (1 Thessalonians 5:15 CSB).  He also wrote, “The Lord’s servant must not quarrel, but must be gentle to everyone, able to teach, and patient,” (2 Timothy 2:24 CSB).  He reminds God’s people “to slander no one, to avoid fighting, and to be kind, always showing gentleness to all people,” (Titus 3:2 CSB).

Regarding the power of words, the book of Proverbs tell us: “The tongue that heals is a tree of life, but a devious tongue breaks the spirit,” (Proverbs 15:4) and, “A hot tempered person stirs up conflict, but one slow to anger calms strife,” (Proverbs 15:18).  Haven’t you ever noticed that those who dig their heels in the deepest when engulfed in a controversy are the least ones willing to consider an alternative viewpoint? They appear close-minded, intolerant, and chaff at correction by becoming defensive and angry — then lashing out. I don’t want to be that person.

And how can one forget that soul-searching passage in the book of James: “So too, though the tongue is a small part of the body, it boasts great things. Consider how a small fire sets ablaze a large forest. And the tongue is a fire. The tongue, a world of unrighteousness, is placed among our members. It stains the whole body, sets the course of life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. Every kind of animal, bird, reptile, and fish is tamed and has been tamed by humankind, but no one can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With the tongue we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in God’s likeness. Blessing and cursing come out of the same mouth. My brothers and sisters, these things should not be this way. Does a spring pour out sweet and bitter water from the same opening? Can a fig tree produce olives my brothers and sisters, or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can saltwater yield fresh water,” (James 3:5-12 CSB)       

Lord, put a watch on what I say. Help me set the example. Give me wisdom and light before saying anything.  Guide my heart and mind to lift up, and draw others to You.

Copyright 2022. Toni Babcock is author of Reflections from the Heart in Light of the Gospel of Jesus, and The Stone Writer, Christian Fiction for Young Readers and Teens. Many of her devotionals have been featured on www.faithwriters.com.

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