Proverbs 15:1 “A soft word turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
Tooth enamel is the hardest tissue in the body that will not regrow if damaged. It is a hard mineral calcium phosphate that protects the teeth from decay. Age, dehydration, sugary and acidic foods and accumulation of harmful bacteria deteriorates tooth enamel. Lessening the intake of sugary and acidic foods, consuming vitamin and mineral rich foods and using fluoride mouthwash everyday augments oral dental care.
Acidic and astringent words erode the enamel of our inner beauty as acidic foods corrode our tooth enamel. “Harsh words hurt more than a poisonous arrow”. The envious Pharisees and the Teachers of Law stirred up the crowd against Jesus and insisted that He must be crucified. Even the Roman ruler Pilot, who was oblivious to the Holy scriptures, washed his hands off the illegal death sentence. However, the insolent Jews drenched themselves with the innocent blood and confessed with their mouths – “All the people answered, “His blood is on us and on our children!” – (Matthew 27:25). Harsh, bitter and ruthless words became self-proclaimed negative prophecies on their hereditary. This curse curdled into a genocide killing millions of Jews under the Nazi persecution known as ‘the Holocaust’.
Jesus warned us that we would have to give account of every careless word that we speak. And I say unto you, that every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgement (Matthew 12:36). Idle words are packed with slackness, slander and sin. Meaningless telephone calls, aimless chatter and purposeless conversation are like sugary acidic foods that erode the enamel of our soul.
God’s Word is the fluoride mouthwash that preserve the enamel of our character:
- Meaningless: Assess the quantity and the quality of your conversations. When there are many words, sin is unavoidable, but the one who controls his lips is wise (Proverbs 10:19). If we are not part of a problem or a solution to the problem, we have no business discussing the problem. Lending a listening ear to gossip stories, rumours, and the private affairs of those who are not part of the conversation is sinful. Prayer calls become gossip groups if we indulge in listening, gathering or spreading information. Meaningless long conversations stain the enamel of our reputation. Avoid meaningless chatter.
- Meanness: Meanness and cruelty hurt both ways, the deliverer and the receiver. “A man who is kind benefits himself, but a cruel man hurts himself” (Proverbs 11:17). “If you have nothing nice to say, say nothing at all”. Harsh words normally spill out of a hurt heart. Rather than being malign and mean, to the person who hurt you, discuss, expose the pain and heal the injured heart. Covered wound cripples. Mean words are like a dehydrated foul-smelling mouth. Hydrate it with the word of God, and protect the brightness of the enamel and the brilliance of your smile. Evade meanness.
- Meekness: Meekness is both heard and felt. They must not slander anyone and must avoid quarrelling. Instead, they should be gentle and show true humility to everyone (Titus 3:2). Peaceable, considerate, and courteous conversations are like enamel rejuvenating fluoride mouthwash. Be quick to extend mercy, forgiveness and understanding. Encourage meekness.
The Word of God is the mouthwash that protects and preserves the enamel of our character.
Proverbs 21:23 “Whosoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.”
Prayer: Dear Lord, may my words always be slathered with Grace and Love. Help me to keep away from sarcasm, smear and slur. Amen.
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