Daily Devotionals
Daily Devotional: Proverbs 16:21-25
Prov 16:21-25
The wise of heart is called discerning, and sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness. Good sense is a fountain of life to him who has it, but the instruction of fools is folly. The heart of the wise makes his speech judicious and adds persuasiveness to his lips. Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body. There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.
Eph 4:29-30
Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
“Sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness.” In another proverb we are told that a kind word turns away anger. Our words are to be sweet; they are to be kind and gracious, and in hard situations, we are to speak soft words. If we are the kind of people we are supposed to be, this will come naturally, but if our minds are filled with the wisdom of this world, we will be harsh and bitter in our speech.
As the children of God, the Spirit lives in us to mold us and make us like Jesus, in our thoughts, our actions and in our speech. But a part of the fruit of the Spirit is self-control. He is not going to do it for us or make us something we don’t want to become. Paul says that he is the source of our strength, so this means that he will help us keep our mouth shut as well as help us think before we speak.
Jesus said that you can tell a tree by its fruit. A good tree brings forth good fruit, but a bad tree brings forth bad fruit, fit only for the burn pile. There is no fruit that we bear that is more obvious than our speech. When we sound bitter, or angry, or when we are always negative and judgmental, people will not see Jesus in us.
Our speech must come from a heart filled with love and an attitude of grace toward others. Jesus said the badge of authenticity for the Christian is that we love each other, and it will show in the way we talk about others and to each other. We will emphasis the positive and always try to encourage those around us.
O Lord God, you made my mouth and my lips, and you gave us language and the ability to communicate, so use me to build others up and to honor you in all that I do and all that I say. Thank you for those who have been and are kind to me and who encourage me with their words. Lord, I pray for those who are sick and taking treatments or having surgery that they will get well and have good physical health, but even more, I pray for their spiritual health, that they are one with you. Help me to be kind, tender-hearted and forgiving. I pray in Jesus’ name.
Robert
