Daily Jewel

by Pastor Carnell, McAlester, OK

The “Value” of our Words
“The words of the godly are like sterling silver…” – Proverbs 10:20 (NLT)

Words appear to be the Solomon’s overt theme for this chapter, and it continues in here in verse 20. There are several variations of this verse but they all say virtually the same thing and they make the same declaration—God’s people are to use words that inspire, encourage, build up, and generally create an atmosphere that has a taste of elegance. Have you ever thought of your words having “value?” What if some words were worth more than others? Would that make a difference is what words you used and how they were used?
I love this “fun” illustration: A Texas oilman was getting married and was extremely nervous. He went to the minister and told him that his fee would be in direct proportion to the length of the service. In other words--the fewer the words--the more the value of each word would be. If the minister performed a long service, the preacher would get nothing. When the wedding day came, the couple stood before the minister. He said to the man, "Take her?" To the woman, "Take him?" He then closed the ceremony by pronouncing, "Took!" The whole ceremony lasted 5 words. He received $100 per word—or to be brief, $500!! There is a “word” that we do not use often but aptly applies here. It is what we have the power to do if we would but choose to use it. It is called—AFFIRMATION!! And we certainly affirm others through our words!
Affirmation is a building-block of self-esteem. Affirmation works both ways—giving and receiving. But strong self-esteem always begins at the receiving end, not the giving end. Infants and young children, especially, need to be affirmed—sincerely and often. The absence of affirmation, coupled with constant criticism by their siblings, parents, and others in the family will lead to dysfunction. The same thing applies to youth and adults, but a deficiency in affirmation at the earliest levels of growth are more permanent than a deficiency that occurs later in life.
Jesus was a master at affirming others. He looked at those rag-tag followers—none of whom was intellectually great—and affirmed them by saying, “You are the light of the world.” Not “a reflection of my light;” not “on your very best day;” not “you are second or third below Moses;” not “clones of Abraham;” but instead, “You (and you alone) are the light of the world!” And if that weren’t enough, he added, “A city on a hill, shining!” Was he talking about shy Andrew or skeptical Thomas? Yes, he was. He called his disciples, “my friends.”
My favorite affirmation story is recorded in Luke 7. A Pharisee invited Jesus to dinner, and he accepted the offer. During dinner, a woman known for her sinful life in the town showed up without an invitation. She brought with her an alabaster jar of expensive perfume. While the guests were eating, she positioned herself at the feet of Jesus, weeping, and began washing his feet and drying them with her hair. And there was more. As she wiped his feet, she kissed them and poured perfume on them. Simon, the Pharisee host, was more than annoyed. But Jesus said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, and she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—for she loved much.” How’s that for affirmation?
Are there people in your life who are under-affirmed and/or under-valued? Are there some that no one seems to appreciate? You can change all of that, by following the example of the Affirmer and lifting their spirits. Begin now.
Pastor J. T. Carnell