A wholesome tongue is a tree of life:
- Proverbs 15:4A
What is a tree compared to a leaf, a seed or a sapling?
The Lord gives us a glimpse of what we can become to others if we have a wholesome tongue — if what emerges from our mouth is wholesome. But, what is wholesome?
Does the Lord mean virtuous? Does He mean holy?
A ‘wholesome’ tongue, in Hebrew (Strong’s H4832) means ‘healthy, or ‘healing’ or ‘remedy’. Each of these meanings denotes waiting before answering. To provide a healing response to an issue, we must first hear clearly and understand what needs to be healed, and not half-hear and think we know the answer from that point, as we so often do.
When we go to the doctor or dentist or naturopath, the first appointment is generally the longest and most expensive. Why? Because they are hearing about our complaint before they act, so their response is appropriate. We, as the healing mouths of Christ, should do likewise.
A wholesome foundation provides us with a mouth that gives life, that provides healing for wounds, and growth for the stunted, and hope for those who have lost hope. We are a ‘tree’ of life, with leaves and fruit , or words and actions, that can help heal many issues.
How authoritatively do we think we could speak on the spiritual fruit subjects — love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance? They are all healing subjects or responses to issues, but how intimately we know them determines how well we pass them on?
Today’s Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you that my tongue can become a tree of life to others, if I let it. I think my words and actions are the right ones, but sometimes I know I haven’t really appreciated others' problems enough before I start to help. Please continue to educate and change me so my responses to peoples' troubles is the one you would choose.
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