My title for this devotion is Words of the Wise vs Words of a Fool.
There is no question that words have power. Listen to the babbling of a politician or pundit. Listen to a drill sergeant. Listen to a teacher/professor. Listen to a coach. Listen to a false teacher or preacher. Words have the power for good and for evil.
The words of Proverbs 12 ring out in their truthfulness and forthrightness. I’m going to put those verses here and let Scripture speak for itself.
The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice. (v.15)
The vexation of a fool is known at once, but the prudent ignores an insult. (v.16)
Whoever speaks the truth gives honest evidence, but a false witness utters deceit. (v.17)
There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. (v.18)
Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment. (v.19)
Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are his delight. (v.22)
Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad. (v.25)
Those words of Scripture speak for themselves. No commentary is needed. The only question which remains is what can I/what can you do to make my/your words life-giving instead of life-sucking?
“Father, help me to measure my words. Help my words to be words of wisdom. Words that give life. Words of truth. Words that build up. Transform my words today.”
*************************
Notice: Due to a mess up of notification (My site is unstable or something like that) I have had to go to Feedburner. The WordPress notification was sending an https address instead of an http one, therefore sending the wrong site address. Several have notified me. Ryan says you will probably have to sign up again to receive notice of a new post. I apologize for the inconvenience and thank you for being patient.
Words are powerful… Like most things, words too can be used for good or for evil. There are so many examples through history and in our present day to show this.
I like your challenge…
Life giving vs Life sucking…
Lets choose life giving.
I’m with you on this.