Two Lessons to Learn about Your Words

A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.

─ Proverbs 25:11 ESV

Two Lessons to Learn about Your Words

Mikayla and her mom, Teresa, saw an attractive outfit while out shopping together. “This would look great on you,” Teresa told her daughter.

“Maybe,” Mikayla responded. “But look at the price. I don’t think I can afford it.”

Surprised, Teresa asked, “Why? I thought you told me you had 80 dollars to spend today.”

Mikayla made a sad face, “I thought I did. But I must have made a mistake in my account balance. Turns out I have less to work with today than I thought.”

“You never could keep track of things like that,” Teresa said matter-of-factly. “You never were really good at math.”

Mikayla looked away to hide her hurt.

What we say to our children, whether they are young adults or little kids, matters. Consider the words spoken to you by a parent, a sibling or a teacher. Did you smile and remember encouraging words? Maybe instead you remembered tears after hearing unkind things. Jesus said His words will never pass away, and our words last as well.

Look at our verse for today. Another word for fitly is “appropriately.” The right words, spoken at the right time, can build up and strengthen your children in ways you can only imagine.

We can learn, too, about the importance of the words we speak to our children from Teresa and Mikayla’s story.

1. Teresa is a caring mother who loves and appreciates the time she spends with her daughter, but she awakened feelings of failure and inadequacy in Mikayla with her blanket statement, “You never ….” Do not be absolute or critical with our comments.
2. Teresa needs to affirm Mikayla by letting her know she trusts and accepts her as a responsible adult who is fully capable of taking care of her finances and herself. Let your children know you do rely on them to make good decisions.

Today’s One Thing

Think about the words of affirmation you heard as a child. What difference did it make in your life? Send a note to the person who spoke those words and let them know how much those words still mean to you today.

Additional Reading

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