KEY SCRIPTURE: Proverbs 5:2 That thou mayest regard discretion, and that thy lips may keep knowledge. RELEVANCE Words are like tools lying in our toolbox until needed. They have no brains. We are their brains. The question is, how well do we use them? A chisel can help shape pieces of art, yet can also be used as a weapon. A hammer can help build a house, yet can also be used as an implement of destruction. Words are the same. When we need to speak, we choose the tools of choice for the conversation. Matthew 5:37 tells us to keep conversations short and direct, as anything further can create opportunities to get us into trouble. God recommends we swap the useless words of our own creation for ones in His vocabulary. 1 John 2:5 says, But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks. Therefore, if we keep God's word in our hearts, it will come out of our mouths. However, if His word does not consume our hearts to the full, other words will. We all know the sharp and deadly words we've used to win arguments, silence disagreers, or just plain old verbally batter people—all the while calling ourselves Christians. It doesn't add up in anyone's language. A word is a tool used by the intent of the heart. This thought drives home the state of our hearts better than anything else. Choosing the right words for scenarios is all about our intent when using them. The Lord seeks a people that will build His Church using hammers and chisels of righteousness—words of right. Proverbs 25:11-12 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver. As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear.
God's words are tempered by the Holy Spirit. If we wise up and change our one-sided perception for God's perspective, wisdom will join us wherever we go and whoever we are speaking to. PRAYER Dear Lord, praise you for having words, phrases and communication concepts so wonderfully developed that they can be like the rain for thirsty seed, a calm in a storm, help in times of trouble, and a hand of rescue for the weary. They make friends instead of enemies.
Photo by Glen Carrie
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