Good Words

“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my salvation.”

Psalms 19:7-14

I love words, and I’m passably good with them. But my words themselves are not always good. Sometimes I say the wrong words at precisely the wrong time. Or I utter hasty words that hurt those I love most. As a writer, I’ve had the fortunate privilege of having my crooked words straightened by a keen editor. I am thankful for the kind of correction that makes my meaning more precise, my intent more clear. (In fact, there are times I wish for an editor to go through each day with me, erasing my clumsy or careless words and replacing them with kinder, better ones.)

Words matter. Written. Spoken. Posted. Published. Tweeted. Whispered. Sung. Prayed. King David examined the words of God and found them lacking in nothing. God’s law is perfect, David testified. His testimony is sure. His precepts are right. His commandments are pure. His rules are true like fine gold and sweeter even than honey. God always says the right thing and at just the right time.

I am more than a little amazed at how our well-spoken God invites words from us. He calls us to pray. His goodness inspires our songs of praise. He exhorts us to “salt” our speech to others with words that inspire, challenge, and compel. And he mercifully gives us a flawless interpreter—the Holy Spirit—who translates the inchoate cries of our hearts when our words refuse to come.

We typically choose our words with a particular audience in mind. We might craft a careful explanation to a child’s innocent question, for example, or labor over the precise terms of a business agreement. We strive to write and speak in such a way that our words will be effective and hit their mark. But every believer in Christ has a primary audience of one. David knew this and asked that his every word and thought would be found acceptable by God. No higher standard exists for good words.

FOR FURTHER REFLECTION:

What words would you use if you knew God was the only one listening?

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, may the words I say—and think—and the things I do bring you glory. Tune my heart to hear your words and hear them well. Let the words I address to you be uttered in faith and with reverence, for you are holy. Let the words I offer to others bear your mark and at least a little of your beauty. I praise you for how you have spoken through creation, through the prophets, through your Holy Word, and through your Son. Speak to me today, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

READ THE SCRIPTURE IN CONTEXT:

The law of the Lord is perfect,
refreshing the soul.
The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy,
making wise the simple.
The precepts of the Lord are right,
giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the Lord are radiant,
giving light to the eyes.
The fear of the Lord is pure,
enduring forever.
The decrees of the Lord are firm,
and all of them are righteous.

They are more precious than gold,
than much pure gold;
they are sweeter than honey,
than honey from the honeycomb.
By them your servant is warned;
in keeping them there is great reward.
But who can discern their own errors?
Forgive my hidden faults.
Keep your servant also from willful sins;
may they not rule over me.
Then I will be blameless,
innocent of great transgression.

May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart
be pleasing in your sight,
Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.

Psalm 19:7-14

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