Spoken With Seasoning

I came across a tough riddle and I want to share it with you. I’ll give the answer at the end of my story. :)

Here is the riddle:

The moon touches, but the sun does not.

Nor the sky, the seas, or the clouds touch.

But the mountains do.

What am I?

In the ancient village of Gracehaven, nestled between rolling hills and babbling brooks, lived a young woman named Aria. She was known throughout the village for her insatiable curiosity and her unquenchable thirst for understanding the world around her. As the villagers went about their daily routines, Aria often found herself pondering the nature of words and the incredible power they held.

One bright morning, as Aria sat beneath the shade of an old oak tree, she observed a delicate spider weaving its intricate web.

The glistening threads seemed to whisper secrets of creation, and a thought took root in her heart: just as words have the power to connect hearts and minds, they could also weave the fabric of relationships and understanding.

Aria understood that words were like the spider's silken threads, intangible yet capable of weaving intricate patterns in people's lives. Armed with this insight, she began using her words with great care, always mindful of their impact on others. Her conversations were filled with empathy, understanding, and the love that she felt deep within her heart.

"The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit." Proverbs 18:21 NIV

As time passed, Aria's reputation spread not just for her scholarly pursuits, but for her gift of weaving words that united hearts. She helped resolve conflicts, offered a listening ear to those in need, and spread hope and joy through her spoken artistry. Gracehaven began to change, as people learned to communicate not just with words, but with intention and kindness.

"Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips." Psalm 141:3 NIV

However, in true human style, jealousy and envy crept into the hearts of some who were threatened by the influence Aria wielded. They spread false rumors, distorted her intentions, and tried to tangle her webs of connection. Aria's heart ached, but she remembered the whispers of the spider's web and turned to her faith for guidance.

“A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouths of fools pour out folly.” Proverbs 15:1-2 ESV

In her time of need, Aria found solace in the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 12, verse 36: "But I tell you that every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgment."

With renewed strength, Aria pressed on, determined to remain faithful to her purpose. She continued to sow seeds of kindness, speaking words of truth and grace, even in the face of adversity. The bonds she had woven with her words remained unbroken, and the truth eventually emerged, unraveling the deceit spun by envy.

In the end, Aria's faith, wisdom, and the power of her carefully chosen words triumphed. The village of Gracehaven was forever transformed, not just by its serene landscape, but by the transformative power of words spoken with love and grace.

And so, the parable of Aria, the Whispering Weaver, became a cherished tale for generations to come. It stood as a reminder that just as God's Word had the power to shape and mend hearts, our words could carry the same divine influence.

In the realm of communication, our words are threads that weave connections, illuminate truth, and ultimately guide us toward the path of love and understanding.

Now, for the riddle and the answer to said riddle:

The moon touches, but the sun does not.

Nor the sky, the seas, or the clouds touch.

But the mountains do.

What am I?

Answer: your lips.

Your lips touch when you say moon, and mountains. They do not touch when you say sun, sky, seas, or clouds.

Lips form the words we speak and what we speak is of vital importance.

“Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things.

“How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness.

“The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell.

“For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue.

“It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. “From the same mouth come blessing and cursing.

“My brothers (and sisters), these things ought not to be so. Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt water? Can a fig tree, my brothers (and sisters), bear olives, or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can a salt pond yield fresh water.” James 3:4-12 ESV

Oh, be careful little lips what you say. What we say, how we say it, our motive for saying it, are all under scrutiny.

"But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned." Matthew 12:36-37 NIV

We are going to be judged by our words! This is serious business friend.

James 3 continues with “But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.” 14-18 ESV

Use your words for good. Use your words to lift-up and encourage. You may never know this side of heaven how your words changed someone’s life.

"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." Ephesians 4:29 NIV

"The Words We Speak"

I think of a person who spoke their mind,

Throughout life, from start to end,

They voiced the thoughts in their heart and soul,

With many words as their lifelong friend.

They spoke of joy and laughter's sound,

And shared their wisdom with grace,

But what truly matters, I have found,

Is the impact their words embrace.

For every sentence, phrase, and line,

Spoken with passion or doubt,

All woven together, over time,

Form a story that's woven throughout.

A tapestry of spoken words,

In conversations big and small,

Reflecting the thoughts that were never unheard,

And the connections that touched us all.

So, reflect on the words you say,

Throughout each day and night,

For they shape the path along the way,

And reveal your life's insight.

Let kindness and understanding guide,

And let love be your verbal art,

For the words you speak, far and wide,

Can touch and mend a heart.

When your story's told in the end,

With the words you chose to impart,

Would you be proud of the message you send,

And the way you shared your heart?

“Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” Colossians 4:6 ESV

by Jeanette Stark – Monday, August 28, 2023