May 31
Proverbs 14:1-16:33
The average person speaks 7,000 words a day. Those can be words that bring life and encouragement, or pain and destruction. Proverbs often discuss the differing speech that comes from the wise and from the foolish. Proverbs 14:3 tells us fools speak from a place of pride. They are defensive and self-centered in their words, while the wise speak differently. Further, in 14:5 we are told speech should be marked by truth, and later that this truth must be accompanied with gentleness (15:1). This balance of truth and gentleness, or grace and truth, is commanded throughout the Bible.
We can say the right thing in the wrong way, and it is no longer right; while to say the right thing in the right way communicates life to the hurting and broken in our world (15:5, 16:24). Yet it takes great wisdom to know when to speak, what to speak, and how to speak (15:28). As we consider the power of our speech, it should lead us to a deep reliance on God, knowing we need his wisdom to communicate in a way that brings life to our relationships and to the world.
Father God, thank you for the words of grace and truth which you have spoken through your prophets, Scripture, Spirit, and Son. Help me to reflect you in the way I speak. Amen.
We need wisdom to speak truth, speak at the right time, and speak in the right way. In which of these areas do you most need to grow? How will you do that?
The average person speaks 7,000 words a day. Those can be words that bring life and encouragement, or pain and destruction. Proverbs often discuss the differing speech that comes from the wise and from the foolish. Proverbs 14:3 tells us fools speak from a place of pride. They are defensive and self-centered in their words, while the wise speak differently. Further, in 14:5 we are told speech should be marked by truth, and later that this truth must be accompanied with gentleness (15:1). This balance of truth and gentleness, or grace and truth, is commanded throughout the Bible.
We can say the right thing in the wrong way, and it is no longer right; while to say the right thing in the right way communicates life to the hurting and broken in our world (15:5, 16:24). Yet it takes great wisdom to know when to speak, what to speak, and how to speak (15:28). As we consider the power of our speech, it should lead us to a deep reliance on God, knowing we need his wisdom to communicate in a way that brings life to our relationships and to the world.
Father God, thank you for the words of grace and truth which you have spoken through your prophets, Scripture, Spirit, and Son. Help me to reflect you in the way I speak. Amen.
We need wisdom to speak truth, speak at the right time, and speak in the right way. In which of these areas do you most need to grow? How will you do that?
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