What we say and the way we say it makes such a difference. When our words issue from our lips, they have power for good or evil. Once spoken, just like toothpaste squeezed out of a tube, you cannot put the words back in. They have a life of their own.
1. OUR SPEECH CAN EXTINGUISH OR EXACERBATE CONFLICT. “A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.”(Proverbs 15:1). The easiest thing to do when attacked by wrathful words is to respond in kind. That is bound to fuel the fire of anger. The wise thing is to respond softly—and that fights the fire.
2. OUR SPEECH CAN BE WISE OR WICKED. “The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, But the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness.” (Proverbs 15:2). A man or woman of wisdom speaks words that disclose their smarts. On the other hand, a person of wickedness speaks words that disclose their stupidity. What we say is an indicator of what we are.
3. OUR SPEECH CAN BE HEALING OR HURTFUL. “A wholesome tongue is a tree of life, But perverseness in it breaks the spirit.” (Proverbs 15:4). Our words can help make people well, or they can cause a wound. They bind up or break down. Is what you say healing or hurtful?
May the Lord use our speech to honor Him and help others today. What we say will do one or the other.
No comments:
Post a Comment