Week 39/2024
A word fitly spoken is like APPLES OF GOLD in a setting of silver-Proverbs 25v11
Today we will again in the Book of Proverbs and discover how we can be kind and positive in our speech.
- HUMILITY: “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger”. Proverbs 15v1.
Our natural response is to fight back and justify ourselves, but sometimes we need to swallow our pride and in so doing, stop an angry confrontation taking place. What is interesting is that keeping quiet and ignoring is not encouraged because that can just stir up more anger, but instead by being positive and gentle in our answer we will defuse the situation.
- HONESTY: “A truthful witness saves lives, but a false witness is deceitful”. Proverbs 14v25.
Pilate asked: “What is truth?” We all have our definition of truth, but Jesus said “I am the way, the TRUTH and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me”. In John 14v6 it says: “If we believe this we are compelled to share this knowledge with others. On the other hand, if we modify God’s Word to be more “politically correct” we are preaching a false Gospel and are deceitful.
- HEARING: “Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold is the rebuke of a wise judge to a listening ear”. Proverbs chapter 25v12.
We need to be teachable and accept positive criticism when it comes from those who are older and wiser and have our best interests at heart. The wisest judge of course is our Lord Jesus Christ who speaks softly (read 1 Kings 19v12). When we prayerfully read Scripture under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we might not like what we hear or read, but it will benefit us if we heed it.
In conclusion I love the quote of Mark Twain who had good advice for those of us who have lots to say: “It is better to keep your mouth closed and let people think you are a fool than to open it and remove all doubt.”
May we all use our lips to honour God and uplift our fellow men and women.
From the former writings of Graeme Greenwood