The Right Words

“I know what the F-word is,” said my five year old son to his six year old cousin as they rode along in the back seat of the SUV. “I know it too,” his cousin responded with a whisper. “I think it’s… slippers.”

It’s one thing to know an f-word, and it’s another thing to know an f-word that starts with an “s.” Now that’s amazing!

We were all very relieved that they haven’t discovered what the really bad word is yet. In fact, we would rather them never discover the bad words.

As a parent I am dedicated to teaching my children everything I possibly can about words. But not just any words. I want them to know the right words to say, words that edify and encourage, words that build up instead of tear down. Why? Because these are the words that I like and that I know are keys to life. I want them to excel in the business of right words.

Just as I am committed to teaching my children the right words to learn and say I, too, must be committed to learning the right words. If I don’t know what words are good and what words are true how am I ever going to teach my children? I couldn’t possibly teach them something I don’t already know is right.

In order to learn the right words I must find the right words. The only place to do that is in God’s Word. Scripture says “For you are God, O Sovereign Lord. Your words are truth…” (2 Samuel 7:28)

Those are the kind of words I want to learn, words of truth, and those are the kind of words I want to teach my children. I want their lives to be founded on truth. Not some man-made idea or a lifetime of bad words that inevitably leads to bad choices.

So, I encourage you as well to learn the right words of truth. As Scripture says, “Commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these words of mine. Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders.” (Deuteronomy 11:18)

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