The Stewardship of Words

Psalm 12

You could have a lively debate on what starts revolutions. Is it despotism? Unrest? Ideas? Education? Somewhere along the line words are critical.

Powerful leaders, for good or for ill, are great with words. The right word at the right time could actually save someone’s life, or just make their day. The wrong words in the wrong spirit can cause damage between people that is irreparable for years, if ever.

The curious phrase the psalmist quotes as from lying enemies – “We own our lips” – made me think how just the opposite is true. Language is a part of the created order and, as such, is a matter of stewardship. According to Genesis, language has a role in connecting us with the rest of the created order:

Now the LORD God had formed out of the ground all the beasts of the field and all the birds of the air. He brought them to the man to see what he would name them; and whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name. So the man gave names to all the livestock, the birds of the air and all the beasts of the field. – Genesis 2:19-20a.

Isn’t it interesting that the first use of human language was to give names to other creatures? What a trust! And then think that one of the worst things we can do with that trust is to call someone ‘a name’ – which serves to break apart any connectedness.

After calling out to the Lord about the self-elevating, abusive language he finds in the world, the Psalmist celebrates that the Word from the Lord is of a very different character, and it is that Word that will prevail. The Lord will not tolerate forever the language of the world that brings “the oppression of the weak and the groaning of the needy” (verse 5).

The Word of God brings light and life and endures forever (Isaiah 40:8). And I am reminded to take great care with the stewardship of words.

Prayer:
God, thank you so much for the gift of speech. It’s one of things I take for granted, and use thoughtlessly so often. Let my language reflect the character of your Word, to bring light and life, and to celebrate what is worthy and endures. Through Christ. Amen.