Sapphires

This week's Thought is written by Pauline Anderson.
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Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. (Proverbs 16:24)

Many of the words in the English language derive from words from other languages. It’s estimated that around 30% of our words in English are from French origin while around 60% of our vocabulary has its roots in Latin or Greek.

The word ‘sapphire’ comes from the French word ‘saphir’ which is from the Latin ‘sophirus'. This, in turn comes from the Greek ‘zafeiri', which originates from an ancient Biblical word ‘sappir’. ‘Sappir' means 'to speak, to tell or to declare.' Let’s look at two important lessons we can learn from this. 

Firstly, the sapphire is an exceeding precious jewel. But more precious than any jewel are the words that God speaks to us personally. These are His sapphires. Do we treasure each word that God speaks to us? Is it precious to us or do we sometimes take His word for granted?

Secondly there are many verses in the Bible that encourage us to speak, to tell or declare to others in a way that is helpful. These should be our sapphires. Here are some examples:

•  A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. (Proverbs 15:1)
• Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification. (Ephesians 4:29)
• Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up. (Proverbs 12:25)

Someone has said, “Our words are stones. We are nothing but stone throwers with each word we speak. If our words contain beauty people treasure them. If our words contain pain people toss them aside, but not until after they have had to deal with the wound they caused.” (https://snailpacetransformations.com/)

Every time we communicate with others we have a choice as to what will come from our mouths.  Stones or sapphires. The choice is yours. What will it be?

​Pauline