Words
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Gentle words are a tree of life; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.” Proverbs 15:4 NLT
They are a part of our everyday life. They are the essence of our personality and the contribution we make in the lives of others. Songwriters Jon Steingard, Matt Hammitt, and Seth Mosley penned the lyrics of a song simply entitled, “Words.” You have have heard this popular song. The chorus goes like this…
Words can build you up
Words can break you down
Start a fire in your heart or
Put it out
Let my words be life
Let my words be truth
I don’t wanna say a word
Unless it points the world back to You
Hawk Nelson – Words Lyrics | MetroLyrics
Solomon knew the power and the impact of words. In the first part of Proverbs 15 we find several sayings related to our words.
We find that our words can bring peace and settle tension or ignite a fire. “A gentle answer deflects anger,
but harsh words make tempers flare.” (Proverbs 15:1 NLT)
Words properly spoken can make an individual long for more, useless words are just that. “The tongue of the wise makes knowledge appealing, but the mouth of a fool belches out foolishness.” (Proverbs 15:2 NLT)
Words can bring life and encouragement or destruction and discouragement. “Gentle words are a tree of life;
a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.” (Proverbs 15:4 NLT) This proverbs reminds me of the saying, “Say what you mean and mean what you say.”
Knowing who to listen to, is as important as the words that are spoken. “The lips of the wise give good advice;
the heart of a fool has none to give.” (Proverbs 15:7 NLT)
Finally, the right words, spoken at the right, in the right way can make all the difference. “Everyone enjoys a fitting reply; it is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time!” (Proverbs 15:23 NLT)
Solomon reminds us that “Death and life are in the power of the tongue…” (Proverbs 18:21 NKJV) May our words, bring life.
Prayer for today… Lord, it is a challenge to consider the impact of words. The words we speak and the words we listen to. “May the words of our mouth and the meditation of our hearts be pleasing to You.” (Psalm 19:14)