“Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.”
(Proverbs 16:24, ESV)
(Proverbs 16:24, ESV)
Proverbs 18:21 bears a warning to all humans in this world: “The tongue has the power of life and death…” Words have power. What you say may help or hurt your situation. Others will use your words to good or bad effect. You need to be very careful what words you choose for any given situation. Overly harsh criticism that pops out when you are upset has the tendency to come back to haunt you as well as damage the souls of others around you. Flattery can manipulate even the wisest. Loving words can bring hope to the weary mind.
There are many scriptures from the Bible that reiterate the warning about using words destructively. Proverbs 12:18 reminds the faithful that “the words of the reckless pierce like swords”. James 5:5-8 affirms this by adding that the words that roll off your tongue so easily may “defile the body”, cause “evil”, be full of “poison”, or bring about the “fires of hell”.
Kendra was a bright and beautiful eleven-year-old girl who struggled with dyslexia. Her brain would scramble words and letters while reading them, causing her much difficulty in the classroom. She spent twice as much time as her brother with normal class assignments. Still, Kendra always dreamed about being a teacher, a writer, and a mother someday.
One spring morning, each of the children in Kendra’s fifth-grade class was called to read aloud to the class and to parents invited for a special event. This challenging assignment worried Kendra to no end, as it would put on display all her problems with dyslexia. When her name was called to read her part, Kendra nervously walked to the front of the room and faced those gathered. As she spoke, she stumbled over words and pronunciations. Her teacher began to fidget at her desk. Several in the class laughed quietly as Kendra struggled. Parents began to whisper.
When Kendra finished reading and was walking to her desk, her teacher commented, “Kendra, that was poorly done. You are clearly not college material, but we appreciate you’re trying.” Everyone fell silent at those words. The words hung in the air like doom. Kendra’s face flushed and she fought down tears as she returned to her seat.
Those disheartening words said by Kendra’s teacher rang through Kendra’s mind repeatedly. On days when Kendra was down, she would often remember those words and beat herself up inside. It took a long time for Kendra to think that she would ever amount to much of anything. She felt unwanted and rejected. She stopped volunteering for extra credit. She abandoned her dreams of writing for more than a decade.
That teacher did long-term damage to Kendra. Instead of inspiring the young girl to work through her dyslexia, the words of the teacher caused Kendra to fear adults, be overly shy, and have great problems with self-worth. Isn’t it interesting that Kendra can quote the exact words of her teacher to this day, twenty-eight years later?
Words have consequences. Some of those consequences can be frightening or destructive. However, good words can have the opposite effect. They can encourage wholeness and healing in body, mind, and soul. Today’s meditational scripture displayed above demonstrates this clearly. It reminds the faithful that gracious words aptly spoken bring “sweetness to the soul and health to the body.” Other scriptures also tell the tale of how godly words can make a huge difference in the lives of others. Early in Jesus’ ministry, He told those gathered to hear Him teach that “the words I have spoken to you are Spirit and life” (John 6:63). Jesus’ words were known to heal, cast away evil, and inspire.
I am not saying that every word you speak should only be positive. That might encourage you to use words for flattery, manipulation, or to control others. Sometimes, constructive criticism and a strong prophetic challenge are required in the moment. Instead, consider that the Bible wholly encourages you to use words wisely, pondering their meaning and consequences before you speak. Those words are crucial to God’s plan!
I have known dozens of people who have gone into the ministry or the mission field after receiving words of encouragement from faithful mentors. Every day, lives are blessed by the holy words of the faithful. Marriages have been saved by such phrases as “I love you”, “I forgive you”, or “Let me help”. Children need all kinds of instruction, words of caution as well as words of support. The words of godly parent bring wisdom to bear upon every situation.
So, how will you use your words today? Will evil have a field day in your presence due to your choice of words? Will you allow your emotions to wreak havoc on your conversations? Will others find comfort in your voice? Will the name of Jesus be praised because of your careful wording? Will hymns and scriptures feed your mind? Will prayers be found on your lips? Today’s choice of words will explain much about your love of God in Christ…..
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Precious Savior, I come to You, needing to find rest in Your Presence. I’m sure this day will bring difficulties, and I’ve been trying to think my way through the trials I will face. Yet when I focus on anticipating what’s ahead of me, I lose sight of the fact that You are with me wherever I go—You will never leave me.
I confess that I’m much too prone to rehearse my troubles over and over in my mind. This causes me to experience painful problems many times. But I know I’m supposed to endure them only once—when they actually occur. Please help me to stop multiplying my suffering in this way!
Instead of focusing on problems, I choose to come to You and relax in Your loving Presence. Lord, I ask You to strengthen me and prepare me for this day—transforming my fear into confident trust!
In Your trustworthy Name, Jesus, Amen
(adapted from Sarah Young, Jesus Listens, p. 30)
There are many scriptures from the Bible that reiterate the warning about using words destructively. Proverbs 12:18 reminds the faithful that “the words of the reckless pierce like swords”. James 5:5-8 affirms this by adding that the words that roll off your tongue so easily may “defile the body”, cause “evil”, be full of “poison”, or bring about the “fires of hell”.
Kendra was a bright and beautiful eleven-year-old girl who struggled with dyslexia. Her brain would scramble words and letters while reading them, causing her much difficulty in the classroom. She spent twice as much time as her brother with normal class assignments. Still, Kendra always dreamed about being a teacher, a writer, and a mother someday.
One spring morning, each of the children in Kendra’s fifth-grade class was called to read aloud to the class and to parents invited for a special event. This challenging assignment worried Kendra to no end, as it would put on display all her problems with dyslexia. When her name was called to read her part, Kendra nervously walked to the front of the room and faced those gathered. As she spoke, she stumbled over words and pronunciations. Her teacher began to fidget at her desk. Several in the class laughed quietly as Kendra struggled. Parents began to whisper.
When Kendra finished reading and was walking to her desk, her teacher commented, “Kendra, that was poorly done. You are clearly not college material, but we appreciate you’re trying.” Everyone fell silent at those words. The words hung in the air like doom. Kendra’s face flushed and she fought down tears as she returned to her seat.
Those disheartening words said by Kendra’s teacher rang through Kendra’s mind repeatedly. On days when Kendra was down, she would often remember those words and beat herself up inside. It took a long time for Kendra to think that she would ever amount to much of anything. She felt unwanted and rejected. She stopped volunteering for extra credit. She abandoned her dreams of writing for more than a decade.
That teacher did long-term damage to Kendra. Instead of inspiring the young girl to work through her dyslexia, the words of the teacher caused Kendra to fear adults, be overly shy, and have great problems with self-worth. Isn’t it interesting that Kendra can quote the exact words of her teacher to this day, twenty-eight years later?
Words have consequences. Some of those consequences can be frightening or destructive. However, good words can have the opposite effect. They can encourage wholeness and healing in body, mind, and soul. Today’s meditational scripture displayed above demonstrates this clearly. It reminds the faithful that gracious words aptly spoken bring “sweetness to the soul and health to the body.” Other scriptures also tell the tale of how godly words can make a huge difference in the lives of others. Early in Jesus’ ministry, He told those gathered to hear Him teach that “the words I have spoken to you are Spirit and life” (John 6:63). Jesus’ words were known to heal, cast away evil, and inspire.
I am not saying that every word you speak should only be positive. That might encourage you to use words for flattery, manipulation, or to control others. Sometimes, constructive criticism and a strong prophetic challenge are required in the moment. Instead, consider that the Bible wholly encourages you to use words wisely, pondering their meaning and consequences before you speak. Those words are crucial to God’s plan!
I have known dozens of people who have gone into the ministry or the mission field after receiving words of encouragement from faithful mentors. Every day, lives are blessed by the holy words of the faithful. Marriages have been saved by such phrases as “I love you”, “I forgive you”, or “Let me help”. Children need all kinds of instruction, words of caution as well as words of support. The words of godly parent bring wisdom to bear upon every situation.
So, how will you use your words today? Will evil have a field day in your presence due to your choice of words? Will you allow your emotions to wreak havoc on your conversations? Will others find comfort in your voice? Will the name of Jesus be praised because of your careful wording? Will hymns and scriptures feed your mind? Will prayers be found on your lips? Today’s choice of words will explain much about your love of God in Christ…..
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Precious Savior, I come to You, needing to find rest in Your Presence. I’m sure this day will bring difficulties, and I’ve been trying to think my way through the trials I will face. Yet when I focus on anticipating what’s ahead of me, I lose sight of the fact that You are with me wherever I go—You will never leave me.
I confess that I’m much too prone to rehearse my troubles over and over in my mind. This causes me to experience painful problems many times. But I know I’m supposed to endure them only once—when they actually occur. Please help me to stop multiplying my suffering in this way!
Instead of focusing on problems, I choose to come to You and relax in Your loving Presence. Lord, I ask You to strengthen me and prepare me for this day—transforming my fear into confident trust!
In Your trustworthy Name, Jesus, Amen
(adapted from Sarah Young, Jesus Listens, p. 30)