The words that we speak can be helpful or hurtful. For example, it can be helpful when we speak uplifting words. Proverbs 20:3 says, “It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife, but every fool will be quarreling.” When we are speaking uplifting, constructive, and positive words, we are not fermenting strife in those we are addressing. For most of us, almost all the time, we are not hoping for strife. Although others may itch for a fight, that is not us, that is not who we are. Let malice reside in the hearts of them, not us.
Yet sometimes seeming too optimistic can misfire. Proverbs 25:20 says, “Whoever sings songs to a heavy heart is like one who takes off a garment on a cold day, and like vinegar on soda.” Singing songs to a heavy heart can cause a bad or harmful reaction. When one is sorrowful singing a happy song invites comparison which may make the hearer feel worse. He will compare his feelings with the happiness of the song which will make him notice even more the sadness of his own state. Likewise, singing a sad song is likely to make him feel worse. There are times when there should be no music.
Like Proverbs 25:25 says, “[As] cold water to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.” There is something refreshing about a faithful messenger and good news. So when we speak to a sad or heavy-hearted person, we must be careful. What is it we intend to say? Will it be like water or gasoline on a fire? Take time to think before you speak. Are you comforting, or standing alongside, or correcting wrong thinking? If you could imagine yourself in his shoes what would you want to hear?
