Reading: Proverbs 16-19
An ungodly man diggeth up evil: and in his lips there is as a burning fire. A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends (Prov. 16:27-28).
“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” This old rhyme has been used by generations of children as a shield against schoolyard tormentors, but anyone who has ever been in that position knows there is no truth to it. Words can and do hurt, often causing damage that can last a lifetime. Indeed, we may be shocked to discover on the judgment day of Christ that the damage done by loose talk far exceeds that done in any other way because the destructive force of hateful words never truly ends. The Lord has given us many warnings regarding thoughtless speech. A wicked doer giveth heed to false lips; and a liar giveth ear to a naughty tongue (Prov. 17:4). Excellent speech becometh not a fool: much less do lying lips a prince (17:7). A fool’s lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes. A fool’s mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul (18:6-7). Although we can be honestly sorry, repent, and receive forgiveness, we cannot unsay what we have said. Once words have escaped our lips, they cannot be recalled. They will go on and on from mouth to ear and ear to mouth, spreading their damage across cities, states, nations, and continents.
A single snide remark made during a casual conversation may be soon forgotten by the speaker, but as it winds its way out into the world, it will grow ugly and malignant. Words have the power to wound a person soul-deep. The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly (18:8). Hateful comments are especially destructive if uttered by someone known to be a Christian. When we claim to serve the Lord, anything we say or do reflects on Him. Consequently, when we speak, people attribute our message to God. Through the power of words alone, we can drive people away from the church, cause them to shun Christian fellowship, and leave them with a false image of our Savior. How badly would you feel knowing that your words caused someone to turn away from their search for Christ?
David prayed, Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips (Ps. 141:3). He understood the dangers of unguarded speech, and he realized that God was the only one qualified to determine the difference between what was helpful and what was hurtful. Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers (Eph. 4:29). This prayer should be one that we pray each morning upon waking before we get involved in the first conversation of the day. Just as God guided David, He will guide and direct us. By running every word through the Lord’s filter before allowing it to escape our mouths, we will ensure that we accurately represent Him to everyone we meet.
Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man (Matt. 15:11). Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ (II Cor. 10:5).
Thought for Today: Words said to others can be taken back or explained, but words said of others become the devil’s whispers.
Word Studies: 16:2 spirits = motives; 16:8 without right = dishonestly gained; 17:18 striketh hands . . . surety = gives a pledge to be responsible for his neighbor’s debts; 18:2 discover itself = express itself; 18:3 with ignominy reproach = with dishonor and disgrace; 19:3 fretteth = is resentful; 19:7 they are wanting to him = they abandon him; 19:13 a continual dropping = an unending irritation.
Pray For Staff:Tifany Parisi • Government Official: Rep. Andy Barr (KY), Rep. Rashida Tliab (MI) • Country: Trinidad and Tobago (1,223,916) Off the coast of Venezuela • Major Languages: English, Hindi • Religious freedom • 32.1% Protestant; 21.6% Roman Catholic; 18.2% Hindu; 5% Muslim; 1.5% Jehovah's Witness; 8.4% Other; 2.2% None; 11% Unspecified • Prayer Suggestion: Bless the Lord at all times regardless of circumstances (Ps. 34:1).
Optional Readings: Hebrews 1