Proverbs 18
Sunday, 3 July 2021
“Wise words satisfy like a good meal;
the right words bring satisfaction.
The tongue can bring death or life;
those who love to talk will reap the consequences..”
-Proverbs 18:20-21[NLT]
There is wisdom in the right choice and right use of words!! Proverbs gives us a lot of practical prescriptions for life from the experiences of its authors. Words and speech are a means to communicate and our choice to use it or misuse it brings along with it, its consequences- good or bad.
Those familiar with reading Proverbs would remember how often the term “fool” is associated with those who have no understanding, mock at instructions, despise correction, speak without discernment—his mouth is his ruin! On the contrary those who are wise will heed to the words of wisdom given in our key verses today.
Since we understand the power of words, how should we use our words?
An Apt Word (Prov. 25:11)
“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.” (Prov.25:11) We may remember many instances of words that were aptly spoken that brought delight to us and were also applauded by us. Men and women in place of authority must be careful in what they speak and convey to those who are in their care—your words can build or break! Ephesians 4:29 reminds us: “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.”
A Timely Word (Prov.15:23)
A timely word refreshes someone! Those words spoken by an unbridled tongue can injure, even creating scars in people’s minds; those uttered in the heat of emotion or thoughtlessly can have dire consequences. How careful we ought to be! Proverbs 15:23 says: “A man has joy by the answer of his mouth, And a word spoken in due season, how good it is!” Those who are down in their spirit need an uplifting word- something to encourage and move them on from where they are to where God wants them to be. How about giving a word of encouragement to someone wearied today with the burdens of life?
A Gracious Word (Prov.16:24)
Gracious words can bring health to the body. The Word of God is living and active (Hebrews 4:12) and when spoken prompted by the Holy Spirit to dead situations, it can bring life! We may be familiar with Colossians 4:6 [NASB]: “Your speech must always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.” In our day, we hear such abusive words used by people in context and out of contexts! In contrast to that we as believers are to model polite speaking, that will be graceful to hear!
Divine Words carry power! In the beginning GOD SPOKE and creation occurred. In the fullness of time He spoke through His Son- Christ Jesus (the Word made flesh John 1:14), inviting us into a relationship with Him. It is written of Jesus: “And all the people were speaking well of Him, and admiring the gracious words which were coming from His lips;” (Luke 4:22 NASB). Jesus knew what to speak, when to speak, how well to speak! He is our supreme example of One who knew the right use of words and used it wisely! Can we follow Him? Choose to speak words of life!
To Yearn & pray for:
“The Lord God has given Me
The tongue of the learned,
That I should know how to speak
A word in season to him who is weary.
He awakens Me morning by morning,
He awakens My ear
To hear as the learned. (Isaiah 50:4)