Just What the Doctor Ordered

“Kind words heal and help; cutting words wound and maim.”
Proverbs 15:4

Did you know you had the ability heal? Did you realize that you have the power to poison others, the capability of killing, and also of giving life? Let me elaborate before you think I have fallen off of the “theological rocker”. The Bible says that our words can heal and help or they can wound and maim. It says in Proverbs 18:21, “Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit ~ you choose.” We have the ability to actually help and heal the spirit of others just by the words we speak.

Proverbs is filled with verses that deal with our words. It is amazing to consider the affect our words can have on others. Just think of the words you have spoken in the past 24 hours. Have they been poison or fruit? Proverbs 18:20 says, “Words satisfy the mind as much as fruit does the stomach; good talk is as gratifying as a good harvest.” What are you offering to others with your words? Is your conversation with others a pleasure? (Prov. 15:23) Are you allowing your words to lift others up? (Prov. 12:25)

We’ve all heard the saying, “sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me”, but we all know the reality that our words can actually hurt others far more than sticks and stones. Proverbs 12:18 says, “Rash language cuts and maim, but there is healing in the words of the wise”.

Just as a medical professional has to carefully measure any medication that they prescribe, the Bible clearly says that “a wise person measures their words”. (Prov. 10:19b) Don’t you want to be a person today that carefully measures each word you say and assesses whether each word will help and heal or hurt and maim before you speak it? Don’t you want your communication today to be sweet to those that have to digest it and to be a healing balm to those around you that may be hurting?

Can you think of those around you that need to experience healing through your words today? Perhaps you have already spoken words that have wounded someone and today you need to make it right. Maybe you know someone that is in dire need of refreshing and encouraging words and you need to take the time to simply make that phone call and offer help. Whatever it may be, may you take the time to measure your words and decide whether you are giving poison or fruit to your listeners. May we each rise to the occasion, answer the calls for help, and serve those around us that are in need of “medical assistance”. Could it be that our words are just what the doctor ordered?

Lord, help us today to choose to speak words that uplift and encourage and be careful not to wound those around us by the things we say. Help us to think twice before speaking once and consider the effect of every word before we speak it.



You can read more from Tammy by visiting her at Steps In Our Journey