Walk of Life – Day 15, January 2021 – Thoughts From The Book Of Proverbs
A man has joy by the answer of his mouth, And a word spoken in due season, how good it is!. – Proverbs 15:23
When we look back the bygone years, there are many instances where we would have regretted for not uttering proper words at the right moment. Maybe it’s because of the usage of too many words or because of neglection of right words. “Oh no! I could have said like this” or “why did I not speak properly?” would have been our utterance in most of the cases. Sometimes we struggle to get words to speak. Our heart becomes discouraged and weary with the responses that we get from others and the vice versa also happens as the words that others speak would have motivated us a lot.
There is a saying that goes like this “Sticks and stones might not break my bones, but words do.” Words really hurt. It causes deep wounds and scars. Not only the words of others, even the communication that comes from within called as Intra Personal Communication plays a dominant role. Nowadays, even the technology speaks to us a lot.
One day I was having a greater confusion. My instinct was telling me continually to do something, but I did not receive enough courage to act. Just then a WhatsApp status encouraged me to proceed forward and the message that I read was “If there is something persistently going on in your mind, remember it was there in the heart of the Lord before.” After which my confusion got over and I grabbed courage to move forward.
How are our words going to be this year? We have indeed heard lots and lots of messages on the words and its importance. Are we able to follow it? However, we might be affected the first reaction are our words. We lose control over our words and most of the damage is already done. Can we really desire to have new words in our mouth? Let’s analyse the essenceof our words and how it should be based on the word of God.
How our words should be: –
1. Gracious – Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body. – Proverbs 16:24
2. Soft – A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. – Proverbs 15:1
3. Gentle – A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit – Proverbs 15:4
4. Few – When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent – Proverbs 10:19
5. Wise – Words of true wisdom are as refreshing as a bubble brook – Proverbs 18:4
How our words shouldn’t be: –
1. No corruption – “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” – Ephesians 4:19
2. Not evil: – “To speak evil of no one, to avoid quarrelling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy to all people.” – Titus 3:2
3. But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. – Colossians 3 : 8
May we always pray like David “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.” And our Lord will put new words of comfort and hope in our mouth making us to be engaged in the work of rescuing the perishing souls.
New Resolution: We will speak words of truth, hope, comfort and strength setting a guard over our lips at all times.
