Hello friends,
The idiom, “eat your words” has been around for a decent stretch of time. In fact, Shakespeare even used it in his play, Much Ado About Nothing, which was published in the 17th century. However, in the modern context, the phrase is typically used with a negative connotation. Cambridge Dictionary defines the idiom, “to be forced to admit that you were wrong about something”. Some synonyms listed are “confession, fess up, own up”. It implies that eating our words when we say something negative will negatively impact us.
It makes sense. If we are slanderous or lie about important information, we can face legal consequences. In a similar sense, but at a smaller scale, we can see how speaking ill about others can negatively impact them. Think of bullying. Sure, most bullies probably don’t give their victims swirlies or tape “kick me” signs to backs anymore, but they still keep the underlying theme of doing harm. The most effective way they do this is their words; repeating harmful mantras along the lines of “you’re not good enough”.
But similar to the negative effects of negative words, positive words can positively impact us and the people around us. Someone who has been torn down by words can gradually be built back up by them.
Through encouragement and love, anything is possible.
Jesus’s message is that of love and kindness. He tells us we are good enough for His grace and salvation even if we are imperfect. So if a perfect God can tell imperfect people we are good enough, who are we to drag each other down?
“A man’s belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled. Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.” Proverbs 18:20&21 KJV
What kind of fruit are we eating today? Is it bitter? Is it sweet? What kind of impact will our words have on those around us? We must ask ourselves these questions daily. I hope you eat good words and have a lovely day.
With love,
Ann Livers