Proverbs 10:11–21 (NIV)
The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life,
but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.
Hatred stirs up conflict,
but love covers over all wrongs.
Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning,
but a rod is for the back of one who has no sense.
The wise store up knowledge,
but the mouth of a fool invites ruin.
The wealth of the rich is their fortified city,
but poverty is the ruin of the poor.
The wages of the righteous is life,
but the earnings of the wicked are sin and death.
Whoever heeds discipline shows the way to life,
but whoever ignores correction leads others astray.
Whoever conceals hatred with lying lips
and spreads slander is a fool.
Sin is not ended by multiplying words,
but the prudent hold their tongues.
The tongue of the righteous is choice silver,
but the heart of the wicked is of little value.
The lips of the righteous nourish many,
but fools die for lack of sense.
Here is another major theme in Proverbs: the power of the tongue and the potency of words. Verse 11 says it beautifully:
"The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life."
Our words may be the greatest power we possess. As people created in the image of God, our words are imbued with great power. Our words can create or they can destroy. Paul wrote to those who made up the church in Ephesus:
"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouth but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs that it may benefit all who listen" (Ephesians 4:29).
- Unwholesome talk tears people down, whether it is directed at them or not.
- Gossip tears people down, even if it seems satisfying at the moment.
- Sarcasm tears people down.
- Negativity tears people down.
James, in his letter, said a lot about the power of the tongue and the potency of words. For example:
"Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless" (James 1:26).
- Words of encouragement build people up.
- Words of affirmation and blessing build people up.
- Calling people by their names builds people up.
Our words can create a context of life or an environment of death.
Every word matters.
When you order a meal, or buy something at a store, do you speak positive or negative words? Do you thank people who serve you or do you grumble?
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, you are the wisdom of heaven on earth - pure, peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere. You are my wisdom, and I am your witness. I want to know you better today. Praying in your name, amen.
PROMPTS
- What is your level of awareness of the power of your words?
- Are you care-filled when it comes to your words, or do you tend to be careless?
- Think back over this last week – did your words build up or tear down?
- Think ahead to this week – plan on speaking words that encourage and build others up.
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