“The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing” Proverbs 12:18

Words have such a powerful ability to bless or wound. We need to watch with diligence what we say. The wrong words, especially at the wrong time have the ability to hurt both those who speak and those who hear them.

Stop and think about how marvelously God has created us. The ability to verbalize is granted only to man, who was created in the image of God. We need help in exercising this power responsibly.

Wars have been started over words. Marriage and families have split and fractured relationships because of words. Though the world applauds quick-witted retorts, God tells us to be “quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to anger.” (James 1:19).

We need to make a conscious effort for our speaking (and listening) to come under the control of the Holy Spirit. When positive speech patterns and habits replace negative speech patterns and habits, we will be amazed with the increase of our joy.

Paul, writing to the Church at Ephesus reminds them, and us to “not let any unwholesome talk come out of our mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” (Ephesians 4:29)

Listen. Wait. Respond.

How many of our conflicts would dissolve or never even materialize if we:

Listen to really understand a person’s concern or complaint,

Wait till our typically wrong initial impulse passed, until we’ve prayed, until we’ve asked clarifying questions,

And then we respond with patience, graciousness, honesty, clarity, and, if possible, brevity?

When used wisely and cautiously, words can often be the best blessings we can give to anyone.

By John Grant
Used by Permission
John Grant is a former Florida State Senator and is a practicing attorney

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FURTHER READING

• The Words of Our Mouth Read more..
• Stand Up – The Power of Words  Read more..
• Words, Words, Words  Read more..
• Lessons from Life: Words  Read more..

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“Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Philippians 2:4

The relationships that mean the most to us are often the ones we are hardest on.  While we maintain a polite and pleasant demeanor away from home, the frustrations often come out where we feel safe to let off the day’s steam.

Life’s pressures can drive a wedge into the relationships we treasure most. It’s important to be intentional about building into the people we love. In order to keep the relationships you treasure at their BEST, remember these four steps.  B E S T …..

B- Bless those you care about by speaking “life” words. Pay attention and point out the good character qualities you see. Focus on using “building” words, and you will find the warmth factor in your relationship will grow. When there are things that need addressing, ask God to guide you in speaking words that will not destroy and at the right time.

E- Encourage those you care about in their daily life. Listen well to the things they say. Communication dries up when we don’t pay attention, and we get lost in our own cares. Listen for the feelings behind the words and seek to be encouraging. Let your support be known even when the solutions are not.

S- Share thoughts, ideas, time, and experiences. When we become too busy to share ourselves with those we love, erosion and indifference slip in. Be intentional about sharing life. Take time to talk and share ideas or concerns. Time to pray together and dream together won’t be there unless you make it. Let those you care about know this is important to you and prioritize it. History is built one shared experience at a time.

T- Touch those you love in appropriate and loving ways. Touch is one of our most basic needs. Take a hand, give a hug, put your hand on the arm or back of the one you care about. It can do much to convey care and warmth. Often, a simple touch can melt away a barrier and reconnect two people.

Strong relationships don’t just happen…they are intentionally built.

Heavenly Father, You know the people that I deeply care about. You also know the way I can take them for granted or let my frustrations out in their “safe” presence. Please help me to come to You with the stresses in my life. Help me to get my strength and help from You and then offer a caring, helping hand to those I love. It’s so easy to look out for my own interests first. Please help me to do as Your word says and to look out for the interests of those around me, especially of those I love dearly. Help me to build strong history together through intentional sharing with the help of Your Holy Spirit. I ask this in the name of Jesus, amen.

By Gail Rodgers
used by permission

FURTHER READING

Building Relationships with Love

Disapproval Derails Relationships

Pursuing Peace in Relationships

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Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is considered prudent.   Proverbs 17:28

As child I heard this proverb in the statement:

“It is better to be silent and be thought a fool, then to open your mouth and remove all doubt.”

Our words reveal much about our thoughts, feelings and ultimately our character.

Thoughts by Mike Woodard
used by permission

FURTHER READING

• Stop Talking! 
• Prayer Before You Speak
• The Words of Our Mouth
• Heavenly Wisdom

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“May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer”. Psalm 19:14

My husband thanked me this morning for something I had said in an earlier conversation. I’ve no doubt of his sincerity.  I’m confident that he loves and respects me.  His words of thanks brought a glow to my heart-until-with hardly a breath between the words of thanks and the next phrase, he added, ‘but”.   What followed were not words of spite or disdain, but simply what he considered to be a flaw in my attitude.  The glow evaporated as quickly as a wisp of smoke and although I didn’t verbally respond (I am slowly learning to bridle my tongue!), those ‘but words‘ roiled within until I could later totally relinquish them to God and thus regain a sense of peace.

How often do I speak ‘but words‘ to my Heavenly Father?   I express gratitude for His great gifts but quickly add, ‘but couldn’t you do a little more’?  Or I say thanks that He has promised to never leave or forsake me, then add, ‘But I want to feel your presence‘.  God will be pleased when both my words and my inner attitude express contentment with his will.

Help me, Lord, to be honest and simple before you so that my words and my attitude express trust in who you are and how you lead.

by Marilyn Ehle
used by permission

FURTHER READING

• Jesus and Prayer 
• Lord, Teach Us to Pray 
• How To Be Sure God Listens To Your Prayers

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“Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue is also a fire….” James 3:5-6

The entire town was evacuated. Over eighty thousand people fled the ravaging forest fire. Evacuated friends came to stay with us for nearly seven weeks. Anxiously they watched the news not knowing if their homes would survive.  Such incredible devastation created from a small spark!

It reminded me of this verse from the Bible as I recalled some of the devastating “fires” I had been witness to, that were started by a careless tongue. Words spoken thoughtlessly, selfishly, angrily, hastily are often the spark that ignites a blaze that can destroy what may take years to rebuild.

Think about what has come out of your mouth this past week. Did you carelessly throw a spark out on dry grass and were surprised at the quick spread of flames? Did relationships strain because you had an uncontrolled tongue? It’s easy to do. We justify it by tiredness, stressful situations, or another persons aggravating behavior. Yet the choice of our words is entirely our own.

God has a lot to say about the tongue and the words we speak. You’ll find a wealth of wisdom in the book of Proverbs in the Bible.

•    Ask for God to set a guard at your mouth.
•    Ask for His help before careless words come out of your mouth.
•    Be quick to ask His forgiveness and the forgiveness of others when your tongue throws out sparks.
•    When tough issues must be addressed, ask first for the help of God’s Holy Spirit as you respond.
•    Always keep your distance from gossip. Gossip is already a small blaze. You make a choice to throw water or fuel on it as it comes to your ears and tempts your tongue.

You will be amazed at the difference in your relationships, your home, your job, your church and your life when God’s help is the first call on your lips.
Father God,

Your word tells me, “He who guards his lips, guards his life.” Proverbs 13:3.

Please help me today, by the power of Your Holy Spirit, to be careful with quick retorts, unsolicited opinions, critical, sarcastic and negative comments. Help me to mind my tongue as I would mind a match in a dry forest. Give me Your wisdom and grace when I need to address situations and issues and give me a sense of right timing in doing so. Thank you that You provide help and strength to me in this area when I call out to You.  In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

Thoughts: If your tongue is causing you trouble these days, read one chapter a day in the book of Proverbs. It will take one month to do that. Underline and ponder every verse that speaks about words, lips and tongue. Keep a journal for the month and see how the atmosphere around you changes as you become a “fire fighter” in your own circle.

By Gail Rodgers
used be permission

FURTHER READING

• The Tongue – by Phil Ware

• The Power of the Tongue – by Katherine Kehler

• Why is What I Say So Important?

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“People insulted Christ, but He did not insult them in return. Christ suffered, but He did not threaten.” 1 Peter 2:23

Someone you love or respect slams you to the floor with a slur or slip of the tongue.  And there you lie, wounded and bleeding.  Perhaps the words were intended to hurt you, perhaps not; but that doesn’t matter.  The wound is deep.  The injuries are internal. Broken heart, wounded pride, bruised feelings.

If you have suffered or are suffering because of someone else’s words, you’ll be glad to know that there is a balm for this laceration.  Meditate on these words from 1 Peter 2:23:  “People insulted Christ, but He did not insult them in return … He let God, the One who judges rightly, take care of Him.”

Did you see what Jesus did?  …. He left the judging to God. He did not take on the task of seeking revenge.  He demanded no apology … He to the astounding contrary, spoke on their defense.

“Father, forgive them, because they don’t know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34)

By Max Lucado
Used by permission
From: No Wonder They Call Him the Savior

To learn more about Max Lucado visit his website at:
https://maxlucado.com/about/

FURTHER READING

• Keep Yourselves in God’s Love
• Stepping Into a Personal Revival

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“Keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking deceit. Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.” Psalm 34:13-14 (NIV)

How would you describe the way you talk?

Are your words positive, constructive, comforting, supportive, and uplifting? Or are the words that come out of your mouth most often cutting, negative, and hurtful?

According to Proverbs 15:4 (KJV),

“A wholesome tongue is a tree of life:  but perverseness there in is a breech in the spirit.” What does it mean to have a “wholesome tongue?”

A tongue that speaks good of people and situations. A tongue that builds up people (yourself and others). A tongue that is gentle. A tongue that is kind. A tongue that builds others up.

Psalm 34:13-14 (NIV) says, “Keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking deceit. Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.“

The Bible makes it very clear in Matthew 12:36 (NIV) that we need to be careful about the things that we say: “

I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”

We all need to give a little more thought to what we say before we say it. “Biblical speech” involves applying God’s Word to our lives daily. It means we allow the principles of scripture to influence our words and how we use them. It means we build people up, we use words of challenge in loving ways, we use words of grace.

Proverbs 21:23 (NIV) gives good advice —

“He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity.” Griping, grumbling, or complaining often doesn’t accomplish anything. And engaging in this kind of talk can also make you feel awful.

Titus 3:2 (NIV) instructs us

“to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.”

According to God’s Word, our behavior and our words should reflect our devotion to God. We need to pay attention to the way we conduct ourselves! Our words impact our lives, the lives of others, and our relationship with God. Commit yourself to studying God’s Word and applying his principles to your speech.

Read: Proverbs 15:4; Psalm 34:13-14; Matthew 12:36; Proverbs 21:23; Titus 3:2; Proverbs 16:24; Psalm 19:14

Take a Step: Memorize Psalm 19:14 (NIV):

“Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.“

by Dr. Henry Brandt
Used by permission

Further Reading

•  Extending Grace to Others

•  Desolate or Fruitful?  How are you with others?

•  Salvation Explained

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I grew up in an alcoholic home where both my parents drank and were verbally and physically abusive.

There were not a lot words that brought life or encouragement.  Maybe that is why I remember two moments so vividly.

When I was in my early teens, a lady who was like a second mother to me said, “Mike, you are a good boy!”  I remember thinking, “Am I?” No one had ever said that to me. Those six words gave me a new picture of myself.

When I was attending university, my father said, “One of the neighbors told me that you were on the dean’s list.  I’m proud of you.”  I can’t remember any other moment quite like that one, in terms of my dad’s words to me.

Solomon says that “Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”  (Proverbs 16:24)

Bring healing and sweetness to someone’s life today through your words. Bring some as well to yourself by embracing what God says about you as His child in Ephesians 1:3-10 and Ephesians 2:10 You are:

1) God’s Best Work/Creation,
2) Chosen/Adopted as His Child,
3) Forgiven and Redeemed as His Wayward and Disobedient Son/Daughter and
4) Blessed with Everything that a Loving Father can give His Child.

by Mike Woodard
Used by Permission

Further Reading

•   Why are the words that I use so important?

•   Words

•  Salvation Explained

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The post Lessons from Life: Words appeared first on Thoughts About God.

We can speak—

With the eyes of understanding;
With the ears of alertness;
With the smile of delight;
With the tone of kindness;
With the spirit of compassion;
With the hands of mercy;
With the embrace of acceptance;
With the handshake of friendship;
With the look of interest;
With the tears of compassion;
With the nod of affirmation;
With the touch of tenderness;
With the heart of love;
With a face that radiates His light.

“Lift up the light of Your countenance upon us, O Lord.” Psalm 4:6 (AMP)

“Let your light shine in front of people. Then they will see the good that you do and praise your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 (HW)

By Roy Lessin
Used by Permission

FURTHER READING

• Fast Of Words: A Different Kind of Fast 
• Lessons from Odd Places: Words that Saved my Life 

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Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.

Do you remember this old adage? It would often be heard on a schoolhouse playground as children were teasing each other, pretending not to be bothered by the insults that came their way.

But our pretending doesn’t end with childhood; as adults, we try to convince ourselves that the sting of sharp words does not affect us. The truth is, we are deeply wounded by the verbal abuse we encounter on a daily basis. And we’re not immune to being abusers ourselves. As we interact with others, we must choose daily whether we will use our words to bring hurt or healing.

James 1:9 summed it up best by saying

“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry”.

As born again believers, the nature of God should help govern our hearts and minds. It is up to us to choose words that are not offensive to God and our neighbors.

My challenge to you today is to begin to focus on what is going on in your heart. Luke 6:45 tells us that out of the abundance of the heart, our mouth speaks. Have you paid much attention to this connection?  If you are housing bitterness, anger, or resentment, you are sure to spew out poison towards others that cross your path. Our words can either heal or destroy relationships. It is up to us to determine the outcome we desire.

Father, forgive us for not always paying attention to the words we speak. May we allow You to create within us a clean heart and renew within us a right spirit. Let the words of our mouths and the meditation of our hearts be acceptable in Your sight, oh Lord. In Jesus’ name, amen.

By Mary Pinckney
Used by Permission

FURTHER READING

1. Four Spiritual Laws
2. Spiritual Oxygen: Are You Getting Enough?
3. How to be Filled with the Holy Spirit

Learn more about knowing Jesus at: https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/four-laws/

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“A man finds joy in giving an apt reply — and how good is a timely word!” Proverbs 15:23

Thoughts on today’s verse

Knowing the right word at the right time is a great gift. But even the best of speakers has to admit that the best of his or her words are not nearly as good as those the Spirit gives. Nevertheless, we must not excuse ourselves of insensitive speech, unkindness, or even missed opportunities because we were not paying attention to what was said, were not spiritually in tune with the needs of our companions, or simply did not know Scripture well enough to bless others with gracious speech at the appropriate time.

Prayer:

Loving Shepherd, I will spend much of my time today with people. Some of them know you, but most do not. Please give me wisdom to say things that lead people closer to you. Give me words of help and hope for the broken. Give me words of tenderness for the fainting. Give me words of direction for the confused. Father, I pray that whatever words I say today may reflect your will and be led by your purposes. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

By Phil Ware
used with permission.

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“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

During a recent family road trip, fast food became the restaurant of choice. My youngest daughter escorted me to the counter to help order what we all wanted to eat. As I paid, the cashier gave me $10 too much in change. I showed her the error and returned the money. As we walked away my daughter smiled. “Dad, I noticed too and was watching to see what you would do.” Wow!

The expression, “actions speak louder than words” comes to mind. Jesus was criticized on many fronts but His opponents became quiet when confronted with His deeds. The account of the blind beggar illustrates this when he was questioned by the Pharisees about Jesus’ identity. The Pharisees demanded, “‘Give glory to God by telling the truth, they said. We know this man is a sinner.’ He replied, ‘Whether he is a sinner or not, I don’t know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!’” (John 9:24-25).

Jesus told His followers on another occasion: “The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. So you must be careful to do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach” (Matthew 23:2-3). That holds a lesson for us today.

Our duty is to speak the truth, and then illustrate the truth with actions that are consistent with God’s Word. We never know who is watching to see if we do the right thing.

Dear Father, I desire to honor you. Show me the areas of my life where my words and actions do not match. Thank you for your Spirit’s presence in my life that gives me the strength to live consistent with your word. Amen.

By Mike Woodard
Used by Permission  https://www.familylifecanada.com/

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