Psalms 45
KJV
1+ My heart is inditing a good matter: I speak of the things which I have made touching the king: my tongue is the pen of a ready writer.
Psalm 45:1
NIV
[1] My heart is stirred by a noble theme as I recite my verses for the king; my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer.
Like me, I am sure you don’t know, nor has it ever occurred to you that the “ tongue is a pen!”
I found this verse very interesting especially as it described the “tongue” as a pen! “My tongue is the pen of a skillful writer”!
Indeed some speak just as they write; this is a gift. Very skillful in their choices of words either spoken or written. It is always a delight to hear them speak or read what they write
To speak therefore is the same as to write with a pen, one is audible the other silent, they all have the same audience!
Words spoken or written can be classified into two categories: wise and unwise. They can make or break the spirit of their hearers or readers.
Therefore heed this admonition;
Proverbs 25
KJV
11+ A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.
Proverbs 15:23
NIV
[23] A person finds joy in giving an apt reply---and how good is a timely word!
Timely words are very important, read how Isaiah puts it ;
Isaiah 50
KJV
4+ The Lord God hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary: he wakeneth morning by morning, he wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned.
Words whether spoken or written live forever in the minds of both hearers and readers. Their effects may be forgiven or forgotten but not the words.
On a practical note, I’ve had many referring me to things I’ve said or written before. Some in context others taken out of context!
It is also important to note that the words we speak or write will be recalled on the Day of Judgment as testimonies for or against us.
Matthew 12
KJV
36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.
37+ For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.
James also warned ;
James 3:1-2
NIV
[1] Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.
[2] We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check.
So, beloved choose your words, do your best to let them be appropriate and relevant to the occasion. Be measured and economical in the use of words; either spoken or written.
The tongue is a pen, use it wisely! In writing we think through before we put any word on paper, in like manner train your tongue to weigh words before they are uttered.
The careless use of words has caused many a relationship, either friendship or marriage.
John Franklin Tamakloe