Proverbs 10:11

We are so used to drinking clean water from our taps that it is hard to think of those times in history when that wasn’t possible – and it still isn’t in many parts of the world. In the time when the writer of Proverbs composed this book, water was either drawn from cisterns that collected rainwater, or from wells or springs. The problem with both cisterns and wells was that the water may well have been standing for a long time and could be full of disease. The very best source of water was a fountain or spring that brought clean, life-giving water. It was a powerful image that everyone would have immediately understood, and the writer was indicating that the words of the godly will be a blessing wherever they go.

The problem with words is that it is so easy to use them casually. Often we wish we could eat our words because they have done no good. Towards the end of his life Winston Churchill said: “During a long life I have had to eat my own words many times and I have found it a very nourishing diet.”

We need to pray each day that we will choose our words well and that we won’t be afraid to be silent when we have nothing good or life-giving to say. Pythagoras, the Greek philosopher, said: “Either be silent, or speak words that are better than silence.” Now, there’s

a challenge!

As ever, the writer of Proverbs gives the scary alternative. And it is scary because words can easily be destructive. Selfish, unkind words can do lasting damage. But thank God that we are in union with Jesus, the source of living water who said: “Those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life” (John 4:14). May our words be like his, providing life to those around us.

Question

Who do you know whose words are like a life-giving fountain and what have you learned from them?

Prayer

Loving God, help me to use my words carefully. May they bring encouragement and strength to others. Amen