Proverbs 11:9 – Evil
words destroy one's friends; wise discernment rescues the godly.
Carefully tucked into the collection of random wide sayings
that Solomon compiled into this chapter was this verse….a powerful statement
about the power of words. The wisdom he had been given from the Lord
immediately recognized the truth of this statement.
Our words are powerful tools of encouragement…or a way to
destroy the relationships meant to surround us with love. There are many other times when Solomon will
tuck a reminder of this into his book of Proverbs….over 20 verses to come will reiterate
this truth. And James 3:6
says…. “ And the tongue [is] a
fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth
the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire
of hell.”
Instead of berating or belittling….judging or
calling names…..we should be about encouraging one another with some of the
great scriptures God planted throughout our Bible. Perhaps the statement of hope in Isaiah 41:10… “ fear not,
for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen
you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” ….could
turn someone’s bleak ….dismal attitude into a more hopeful one.
I admit…..I needed this reminder
to use positive words to build up people…and try not to be sucked into satan’s
easier way of spouting out the negative that comes to my mind first. Teaching these days gives me plenty of
opportunities to judge…blame….berate….or tear down with my words. I guess I had
better think twice before I say anything in my classroom in the future…so I can
ask God to guide my tongue…so he can use me to help change attitudes instead of
make them worse.
Father…thank you for the reminder
that every word that comes out of my mouth has the potential to help you change
the hearts of the world. Forgive me for
the times that I have allowed my negative words to judge…blame….or even berate
others. Help me to bridle my tongue…so
you can help me think about every word that I speak out loud….and make sure
that it will build love into the people around me. Amen.
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