Presenting ...
... a weekly letter of encouragement.
Singapore
January 17, 1996
Good Morning!
WANT TO STAY OUT OF TROUBLE WITH YOUR TONGUE?
Then consider three simple suggestions wise old Solomon makes
from Proverbs 15:
#1 Speak Gently
"A gentle answer turns away wrath,
but a harsh word stirs
up anger."(Proverbs 15:1)
The sure way to ignite an already explosive situation is to respond
to an angry person in like manner. The formula for assuaging
anger is to answer in tenderness.
#2 Speak Wisely
"The tongue of the wise commends knowledge,
but the mouth of the fool gushes
folly." (Proverbs 15:2)
The wise person speaks with intelligence and skill to the issue
at hand, while the fool emits the first thought that enters his
head.
#3 Speak Healingly
"The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life,
but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit."
(Proverbs 15:4)
Solomon reminds us that the power of life
and death lie with the tongue. By our kind words we can bring
healing and life. Or by our destructive words we can destroy.
(Proverbs 18:21)
As we struggle with our speech
it may help to keep in mind two stark realities:
(1) Our speech simply mirrors the condition
of our heart: "For the mouth speaks out of that which
fills the heart." (Matthew 12:34b)
(2)
God ultimately will judge us by the quality of our words: "For
by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will
shall be condemned." (Matthew 12:37)
I trust you are having a great week!
Dwight Hill
© Copyright 1996 Dwight Hill. Unlimited permission to copy or use is hereby granted subject to inclusion of this copyright notice.
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