YOUR VOICE

A person's words can be life-giving water; words of true wisdom are as refreshing as a bubbling brook.     Proverbs 18:4

The tongue can kill or nourish life.     Proverbs 18:21

Have you ever heard it said that there is an expiration date on the human voice?  By this, it does not mean expiration due to death, it means that at some point the human voice is no longer at peak performance and begins to change, loses its vibrancy, is not as strong.

I have a job which allows me to hear over 100 voices a day over the telephone.  I hear strong voices, belligerent voices, sweet voices, calm voices, angry voices.  I often try to guess the age of the person speaking.  It seems true - as the years go by, the voice is not as strong, it loses its physical vibrancy.

How is YOUR voice?  No matter how old you are, is your 'voice' still vibrant - not only physically but emotionally and spiritually? Are your words confusing to follow, hesitant and halting or are your words carefully chosen, expressing exactly what you mean in a forthright manner?  Are your words rasping, grating and unkind with a hint of gossip or back stabbing or are your words kind, gracious, gentle and life giving in every situation?

Isn't it amazing that at this time in history, our 'voice' can go out via emails, texting, voice mails, skype - worldwide.  God has much to say about how we use our 'voice'.  Here is just a sampling:

The godly speak words that are helpful….  Proverbs 10:32

The words of the wise bring healing.  Proverbs 12:18

A gentle answer turns away wrath….  Proverbs 15:1

Gentle words bring life and health….     Proverbs 15:4

The godly think before speaking.  Proverbs 15:28

He (God) loves those who speak honestly.  Proverbs 16:17

From the wise mind comes wise speech.  Proverbs 16:23

Heavenly Father, please give me the grace and courage to use my 'voice' to honor You in all circumstances.  In Jesus' name.  Amen.