4 Principles That Give Worth to Your Words part 2

​Principle 2. Use few words that give goodness.
Titus 2:8 sound in speech which is beyond reproach,

Imagine getting an invitation from your favorite, world-renown chef to dine with him at his estate tonight.

You arrive and are ushered in to a beautifully appointed dining room, candlelight and all. Across the length of the table are covered silver platters, steaming and ready to go. Some aromas you recognize, others are a bit, shall we say, exotic.

Mr. Chef welcomes you warmly, seating you at the head of the table. This is going to be GOOD!
You reach for the lid on the platter nearest you only to find a heap of overcooked noodles dripping with a thin, brownish sauce smelling of rotting anchovies. Replacing the cover you begin search for ANYTHING that resembles something edible.

What just happened here? There was every reason to expect good food. The man was known for serving up the best. But this experience left you confused, frustrated, and looking for an all-night diner on the way home to satisfy your growling tummy.  

Really, though, any chef worth his salt would never let a guest leave his table empty. NEVER. He would do his best to set before his company food that was worthy of his reputation and offer a plate that brought nourishment to the body.

We are like that expert chef, only we are efforts should result in sound speech that blesses our companions. Here are four insights on Principle #2 of giving worth to our words – use few words that give goodness:

“Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise, and apply your mind to my knowledge; 18 For it will be pleasant if you keep them within you, That they may be ready on your lips.” Proverbs 22:17-18 (NASB)
Worthy, godly words are like a chef’s signature dish. Each component is useful and pertinent to the whole meal. When we speak, it should be as a result of thoughtful consideration for the hearer and the needfulness of our words.

“Pleasant words are a honeycomb, Sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” Proverbs 16:24 (NASB)
Our listeners should find benefit in what we say, not detriment. It’s worth it to use discretion in what we say and how we say it.

“He who restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding.” Proverbs 17:27 (NASB)
A gourmet meal has the right amount of everything without over filling the dish. Use enough words to get your point across without dominating the conversation.

“When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise.” Proverbs 10:19 (NASB)
A chef knows what food will make a meal balanced and enjoyable. Leave people wanting to hear more from you, not less. Give room for the Holy Spirit to speak to someone’s heart. You and I simply cannot compete with the wisdom of the Spirit of God.
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Believe it or not, the people of the world expects Christians to live and talk differently than they do. We’ve been given good things to share with those around us: joy, truth, love, faithfulness, to name a few. Let’s allow the Lord to give us the wisdom and understanding to find the best way to serve up words of His Goodness and reflect His glory to the world in which we live.

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