Read: Ecclesiastes 10

As a Scripture Union development worker I’m always running lots of projects at the same time. They can be in different locations, vary in size and be with a range of age groups. They can use a range of means such as music and sport to share the good news of Jesus with children and young people, and to help them tell their friends about him.

At times, especially, in the past year, my job has become messy. My diary has become messy. My desk has become messy. My head has become messy. (Sometimes it still is.) In these times the work I’m doing can become messy. Can you relate to that in any way? How do you react in the messiness of life?

During these messy times I sometimes get a bit lax with the words I use. But this isn’t how God wants it. He wants me to make a daily choice with my mouth, my communication, my words. Words are powerful, so I often ask myself: do I bring wise words to the situation or foolish ones? are my words helpful or unhelpful? positive or negative?

Ecclesiastes 10:12 reminds me that wise words are gracious and foolish words are folly and can even become wicked. Words that aren’t gracious aren’t honouring to God, and can cause destruction and disunity when sharing the good news of Jesus.

My words should always bring integrity and transparency to my work. This means I can’t afford to speak out of turn, with a quick reaction or with a lack of knowledge and restraint. I must hold firm to my integrity by speaking positively, reacting slowly and with the full knowledge of the situation. I need to remember that God ‘know[s] everything [I’m] going to say before [I] start the first sentence’ (Psalm 139:4, The Message paraphrase of the Bible).

I seriously need to ask God for help with this in the messiness of life. I know I can’t do it on my own.