The Power Of Words

Read Proverbs 17

Eloquent words are not fitting for a fool; even less are lies fitting for a ruler.

Proverbs 17:7

Have you ever been drawn into watching an infomercial on TV? After what seems like a few minutes, you realize you’ve just spent an hour hearing about a kitchen utensil. This illustrates the power of persuasive words. These words catch our attention. They cause us to believe.

Now this might not be harmful if we’re listening to just infomercials. However, some of the most eloquent and powerful speakers (Adolf Hitler, for example) have been able to convince people to believe atrocious things.

As Christians, we need to guard against mistaking powerful, persuasive words for the truth. Moreover, we also need to be careful not to mistake eloquent speech for wisdom. Throughout the Bible God used people with poor speaking ability, such as Moses and the apostle Paul, to spread his Word. In the end, a person’s character, not position, should be used to judge the value of his or her words.

A WORD FOR TODAY

Wisdom outlasts eloquence.

Lord Jesus, help me to distinguish between persuasive lies and your truth.