Do you ever struggle to find just the right word? You have something worth saying, but cannot quite seem to find the best way to say it?
Your choice of words makes a difference. Listen to what King Solomon said about the right word at the right time:
Proverbs 25:11 (CSB)
A word spoken at the right time is like gold apples in silver settings.
Solomon, the wisest man to ever live other than Jesus, spent a great amount of time trying to find the right word and to communicate meaning clearly.
Ecclesiastes 12:9–10 (CSB)
In addition to the Teacher being a wise man, he constantly taught the people knowledge; he weighed, explored, and arranged many proverbs. The Teacher sought to find delightful sayings and write words of truth accurately.
In the late nineteenth century, a journalist named George Bainton wanted to learn how to communicate as effectively as possible. He reached out to leading writers of his day to obtain their counsel based on personal experience.
Upon compiling the responses, Bainton summarized their message: “Careless speaking or slovenly writing is an insult to the public, and bad English is a crime.”
Among those solicited for advice was Samuel Langhorne Clemens, best known by his pen name, Mark Twain.
In response to Bainton, Twain simply stated, “The difference between the almost right word and the right word is really a large matter—‘tis the difference between the lightning-bug and the lightning.”
As Christians, our words matter. Especially when we are handling God's Word.
God's truth deserves the lightning, not the lightning-bug. But that doesn't mean you have to be the greatest teacher. In fact, God's strength is displayed best through our weakness.
If you find yourself struggling with finding the right words, ask the Lord to help you. Let this Psalm be your prayer:
Psalm 45:1 (CSB)
My heart is moved by a noble theme as I recite my verses to the king; my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer.
Think about one conversation or teaching moment you have coming up this week, and ask the Lord to help you choose words that honor His truth and best communicate to those you are speaking to.