Day 22: The power of the tongue - part 3
The Lord Jesus knew when to remain quiet (Luke 23:9), when to encourage those with faith (Mark 5:34) and when to rebuke those who were proud (Matt. 22:18). May we learn from Him and be careful with our words.
We underestimate the power of our words to destroy or to heal. A word of encouragement spoken at just the right moment to someone who is despairing is a soothing balm (Prov. 15:23). The mouth of the righteous carefully thinks over a situation, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil (Prov. 15:28).
These proverbs tell us that it is foolish to take offense and insist that others know exactly how they have hurt us. Even worse, we usually try to recruit others to our side in a dispute, but this only leads to greater division, and sides being taken. Wisdom tells us to overlook an offense for the sake of love (Prov. 17:9). May God give us the grace to overlook offence by looking to Christ.
To make an apt answer is a joy to a man, and a word in season, how good it is!
- Prov. 15:23
The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the Lord, but gracious words are pure.
- Prov. 15:26
The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.
- Prov. 15:28
The wise of heart is called discerning, and sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness.
- Prov. 16:21
The heart of the wise makes his speech judicious and adds persuasiveness to his lips.
- Prov. 16:23
Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.
- Prov. 16:24
A worthless man plots evil, and his speech is like a scorching fire.
- Prov. 16:27
Fine speech is not becoming to a fool; still less is false speech to a prince.
- Prov. 17:7
Whoever covers an offense seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates close friends.
- Prov. 17:9
Father, gracious words are good for others. We pray that the things that we talk about and the words that leave our mouths will be things worthy of praise.
We take to heart the Bible's instruction that our conversation be seasoned with salt. Give us grace to overlook offense for the sake of love. Give us wisdom to guard our mouths from saying anything that could cause division amongst friends.
We ask this in our Lord's Name,
Amen.
- Graham Barnes
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