Your words have helped the one who was stumbling to stand, And you have strengthened feeble knees.
Job 4:4 AMP
Just as iron sharpens iron (Proverbs 27:17), our words have the power to uplift and strengthen others. We are called to use our words to encourage and uplift others, as others have undoubtedly strengthened us in our own journeys.
This scripture, spoken by Eliphaz to Job, highlights the importance of using our words as tools for sharpening one another. Job’s words were a source of strength and hope for those who were struggling. Even the most discouraged individual could find renewed purpose through his uplifting words.
Proverbs 12:18 reinforces this concept: “The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” (NIV). The words we choose have a profound impact. They can either tear down or build up. Consider these questions:
- Are your words kind and compassionate, or harsh and judgmental?
- Do they bring healing and strength, or inflict further pain?
- Are you a “wise man whose words are like honeycomb, sweet to the soul and health to the bones” (Proverbs 16:24)?
God wants us to be instruments of encouragement, lifting up those who are bowed down (Psalm 145:14, NIV). We should sharpen one another, not dull each other’s spirits. Likewise, we should serve as instruments in His hand to help others see His plan and purpose in their lives. God doesn’t expect us to be perfect before we can encourage others, nor does He place us in judgment over others. Like iron sharpening iron, we should learn and grow together. We should all be open to receiving encouragement and using our words to uplift others.
We wield powerful words; once uttered, we cannot retract them. Meanwhile, let’s not forget that, “out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Matthew 12:34). So, to offer true encouragement, we must fill ourselves with God’s word. As 2 Corinthians 1:4 reminds us, “He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”
You cannot give what you don’t have. If you haven’t received encouragement from God, you cannot offer it to others. Therefore, open your heart to God’s word, allowing it to take root and grow within you. Then, you can become a channel through which His words of comfort and strength flow to others. Remember, you are not the source, but rather a channel.
In conclusion, the power of our words is immense. Therefore, let us choose to use them wisely, following the example of Job, to strengthen and encourage those around us. Remember, we are all on this journey together, and by sharpening each other with God’s Word, we can all reach our full potential in Him.
