SCRIPTURE: Proverbs 25
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
Telling lies about others is as harmful as hitting them with an axe, wounding them with a sword, or shooting them with a sharp arrow. [Proverbs 25:18]
You have heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment.’ But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment! If you call someone an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the court. And if you curse someone, you are in danger of the fires of hell. [Matthew 5:21-22]
Apparently the sin of murder goes much further than just the act of murder, it includes murderous, hurtful thoughts or words.
To gossip about someone, to tell lies about someone, to call them names, these are as harmful as hitting them with an axe or wounding them with a sword or shooting them with an arrow.
This explains why Jesus speaks to strongly about our words, and about how we will be judged for every careless word.
And I tell you this, you must give an account on judgment day for every idle word you speak. The words you say will either acquit you or condemn you.” [Matthew 12:36-37]
Any one of these proverbs is good to reflect on, I am just picking one for today.
The proverb I selected is a reminder to me that my words have power, for good and for evil, to bless or to wound.
As someone who uses a lot of words, I need to pay careful attention to this.
When I am cornered, when I feel misunderstood or falsely accused, its amazing how quickly and easily sharp words come to my mind – thankfully I have enough sense not to say them right away.
I have wounded many people with my mind, and though I have held back from speaking the words, this is a reminder to me that my heart and mind are still affected by the sinful nature.
I am not proud of the thoughts or feelings that come to the surface when I am provoked; but I need to be honest about them, since these are the things I want to be saved from.
Like Jesus, I want to use my words to bring people into a deep experience of God.
He sometimes used stern words, otherwise He used gentle words – His words were always gracious.
I have noticed about my speaking (my preaching) that I have a tendency to use guilt or challenge to motivate people; instead I want to use more invitational, encouraging language.
I do not want people to feel burdened or overwhelmed by how I speak God’s message, at least not because of my emphasis.
I want my words to promote life, healing, hope.
This does not rule out being stern, or rebuking, or challenging, but these need to be rooted in love and grace.
Today I am making a renewed commitment to speak as positively, graciously, as I can, with His help.
PRAYER:
Lord, remind me of how I think and feel about people. Cleanse me from negative, judgmental thoughts or language, may my heart and voice and hands express Your grace and truth and love!
The main idea coming across in this proverb chapter is words. Proverbs is a book about wise sayings and in our sayings, we too need to be wise. Our communication must be aptly spoken. We need to watch out tongue and at times, bite our tongue. In this day of telecommunication, our words have become meaningless. We talk too much and like the sweet honey, we vomit. We need to do as we say. We have to watch out words since many a time, we do it to please men. Always speak in truth so that you do not have to remember what you have said. Only those who speak falsehoods have to remember or they will be found out.
Lord, may the words I speak honor and bless Your name – a sacrifice of praise. And may the words I speak be followed by doing. People are known by their actions and people are also know by their speaking. May they be in harmony, in tune with one another giving You the praise.
O for a thousand tongues to sing
My great Redeemer’s praise,
The glories of my God and King,
The triumphs of His grace!
My gracious Master and my God,
Assist me to proclaim,
To spread through all the earth abroad
The honors of Thy name.
Jesus! the name that charms our fears,
That bids our sorrows cease;
’Tis music in the sinner’s ears,
’Tis life, and health, and peace.
He breaks the power of canceled sin,
He sets the prisoner free;
His blood can make the foulest clean,
His blood availed for me.
He speaks, and, listening to His voice,
New life the dead receive,
The mournful, broken hearts rejoice,
The humble poor believe.
Hear Him, ye deaf; His praise, ye dumb,
Your loosened tongues employ;
Ye blind, behold your Savior come,
And leap, ye lame, for joy.