Today’s post about the value of our words is written by Kathy Collard Miller. It’s based on her new Bible study “Heart Wisdom: Daughters of the King Bible Study Series.”
Finding the right words can be a challenge. Sometimes we use too many. Sometimes too few. Often, we are misunderstood or say things we regret in the heat of an argument. Only God uses words perfectly. Knowing we would need His divine help, He gave us the instruction book of Proverbs which has much wisdom about communicating and the value of the right kind of words.
“The tongue of the righteous is choice silver; the heart of the wicked is of little worth” (Proverbs 10:20). Our words can be valuable to others when we check our motives and seek God’s wisdom before we speak.
Priscilla’s and Aquila’s Valuable Words
Priscilla and Aquila are great biblical examples to emulate. Paul met this couple in Corinth. Most commentators believe Paul led them to salvation in Christ (Acts 18:1-3). This couple risked their lives to help Paul and hosted a church in their home (Romans 16:3, 1 Corinthians 16:19).
But Priscilla and Aquila’s encounter with the evangelist Apollo shows us the value of wise words:
Now a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was an eloquent man, competent in the Scriptures. He had been instructed in the way of the Lord. And being fervent in spirit,he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John. He began to speak boldly in the synagogue, but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately. And when he wished to cross to Achaia, the brothers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples to welcome him. When he arrived, he greatly helped those who through grace had believed, for he powerfully refuted the Jews in public, showing by the Scriptures that the Christ was Jesus. Acts 18:24-28
There are so many ways this could have gone wrong. Priscilla and Aquila could have lashed out with criticism. They could have rudely corrected Apollos in front of other people. They could have talked behind his back and told people not to listen to him.
Priscilla could have thought, “Aquila and I have to step in and correct this man because we must protect Jesus’s reputation. I must make sure everyone knows the full and correct truth.” Yet she truly believed God could take care of His own reputation. And because no one needed to be perfect to speak of Jesus, she didn’t overreact and wound the passion of a new believer.
Instead, with God’s wisdom and the right motivation, Priscilla and Aquila wisely took Apollos aside and gently gave him more complete information. And as a result, Apollos went on to be a significant evangelist (1 Corinthians 3:5). Their gracious and valuable words impacted the kingdom of God!
Apollos was receptive to Priscilla and Aquila’s wisdom, but not everyone we encounter will be. All we can do is seek God’s guidance in the words we say and then leave the results to him. That’s trusting God with our words.
Do you struggle with your words? What is your favorite biblical example of wise words?
More about our guest blogger Kathy Collard Miller and her new book
Heart Wisdom: Daughters of the King Bible Study Series by Kathy Collard Miller is a women’s write-in Bible study on Proverbs. Ten lessons explore different topics addressed in the biblical book of Proverbs including words, anger/conflict, marriage/parenting, The Proverbs 31 Woman, relationships, correction, money, trusting God, pride/humility, and love/hatred. Along with meaningful questions, Kathy offers insightful commentary, a section on women of the Bible and a touching “Letter from God.” See book on Amazon now!
Kathy Collard Miller is amazed at God’s plan in leading Kathy into ministry over 40 years ago after He delivered her from being a child abuser and healing her marriage. She has over 55 books published and has spoken in over 35 US states and 8 foreign countries. She and her husband married in 1970 and minister together as lay counselors, writers and speakers. They live in Southern California and love being parents and grandparents. Connect with Kathy on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram.
Kathy, thank you so much for sharing my thoughts. I’m eager to hear of your readers’ thoughts. Keep up the great work of encouraging and inspiring the Body of Christ.
Thank YOU for sharing with us!