PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Proverbs 17-18
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“The tongue has the power of life and death.” (Proverbs 18:21)
Do we realize how penetrating words can be, how they can heal or hurt?
As one who uses words for a living, I sometimes forget this.
How many people have been blessed by my words without my knowing it?
But the same could be asked for how many people have been hurt.
This reminds me of Jesus’ warning about careless words (Matthew 12:36).
As one who likes to be funny, are my attempts at humour risky?
Am I hurting people unintentionally, am I making light of something painful?
This should lead me to pray hard when I speak, for the Spirit to help me.
For the Spirit to use my weak words for His good purpose.
“The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint.” (Proverbs 17:27)
This is a good reminder to me, to remember the seriousness of words.
Maybe, instead of speaking so much, I should listen more. (Proverbs 18:13)
Shorten my sermons and give more time for reflecting, for hearing Jesus!
Maybe I should heed the wisdom of Ecclesiastes 6:11…
PRAYER
Lord, you were a master at using words well. Your simple prayer and brief lessons have more power than my lengthy speeches. Help me to trust my words less, and trust your Spirit more!
Words.
With our words we bless or we curse.
I need to think before I speak so that my words are a blessing.
I need to listen more to others before I speak words of hope and comfort.
At all times I need to be discerning, praying His wisdom, His Spirit to lead me and guide me what to say. I need to be like Christ unto others by my words and deeds.
I need to run to my strong tower and be safe for God is my Helper and Protector and He will direct my Way.
When trouble surrounds me, and Satan comes against me
there is a place I can go
I run to Jesus for He has been
My high tower, my dearest friend
When I need a refuge I run into His name again
Chorus: The name of the Lord is a strong, mighty tower
The righteous run into it and they are safe
The name of the Lord is a strong, mighty tower
The righteous run into it and they are safe
Intentions – what drives me? Why do I speak, why do I do? What’s behind it all? Do I have good intent? It all comes from the heart: “One whose heart is corrupt does not prosper”. If I have selfish intentions driven by a heart that wants more – my words and my doings will reflect that. Are my intentions based on a heart that seeks the ways of my creator – the way of Jesus. My heart’s desire is to know more about the Jesus way – to be driven by a desire to be like him and to serve him. “The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even-tempered.” Lord help me be driven by the right intentions in my heart – that my words and actions may be closer to yours each day!