There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing...Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment...Anxiety in a man's heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad. (Proverbs 12:18, 19, 25 ESV)
Sword thrusts or healing? Forever or just a moment? Weighed down or glad? The writer of Proverbs gives us several great contrasts to assess how we use our words. What kinds of words issue from your lips? Do people feel stabbed and thrust-through after spending time with you? Do people leave your presence feeling like healing virtue and medicine were just poured into their souls? Are you a truth-teller or exaggerator? Are you honest in your assessments or do you embellish a little to make yourself look good? Exaggerators and embellishers are quickly forgotten, but truth-tellers endure forever!
Have you ever experienced the power that comes when your heavy, anxiety-laden heart gets suddenly lifted by a good word? Oh, that God would help us keep a watch over our tongues, mouths and lips. We are to be a people who fill our world with words of grace! Remember, whatever is filling your heart will issue out of your mouth. Let us keep our hearts filled with the grace, truth, love, justice and the holiness of God. Let us be Spirit-filled people who pour-forth words of life to all those around us. Declare LIFE!
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