Proverbs 15
Watch your words!
Proverbs 15 is a collection of wisdom statements, throughout this chapter Solomon gives us practical advice for life. These are principles NOT promises. These are general truths for life, that we need to learn to live out.
We know in today’s modern online world, these principles and truths can be hard to live by. We are incentivized to speak first…this is a trap of the devil! Those who speak quickly may get the most attention, but their words are not likely to be the most helpful.
Proverbs 15:4 states “The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.”
Let’s break that verse down some. Good words are like a tree that continuously brings LIFE from its shade and fruit. On the other hand if someone’s tongue is perverse (twisted, crooked or corrupt) their words can easily break the spirit.
Proverbs 15:7 tells us that “the lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of a fool does not do so.”
Ladies, our words have power! The bible tells us so. We need to be careful how we use them. We should be using our words to serve others.
Choosing the wisest words at any given moment, can be difficult, especially when we are mad. This is why Proverbs 15 talks about speaking slowly. We need time to think through responses.
The value of a good word is not only found in its content but also its timing.
Proverbs 15:28 tells us that “the heart of the righteous studies how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours forth evil.” We have all probably experienced this and know it can be true that a well spoken word from us can prevent anger, our words can build people up rather than tear them down, and they can also be a source of joy to those around us.
Solomon tells us in Proverbs 15:23 “A person has joy by the answer of their mouth, and a good word spoken in due season, how good it is!”
This holds true in many situations, because if we choose to encourage someone they can be motivated to continue on, but if we choose to discourage someone they may choose to quit and never try again.
As Christian women we have many opportunities to speak up for the Lord and our Christian faith. No matter who we are talking to, we want them to make decisions that lead to eternal life. What kind of example are we setting if we follow Christ, but speak death into others?
We need to remember to stop and think beforehand about what we should and will say. Let our words not be based on impulse and reaction. How we respond says a lot about how closely we follow God.
Ladies, I challenge you to give encouragement and a good word to those around you. Turn to God and pray for wisdom when someone is seeking answers.
I pray today that God would help you by the power of His Spirit and according to His word, to give answers and good words that bring joy and serve others for His glory. Amen