Proverbs 15:4
The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.
In this Proverb, Solomon is stressing the power of words. When you stop and think about it, it is kind of odd that something that seems so insignificant should have so much power. Words are really just the verbalizing of our thoughts. So why do they have such a tremendous impact? Why do words have the ability to heal, as well as the ability to "crush the spirit"?
Stop and think about how the words of others affect you. Try to think through the emotional rollercoaster that was your day today. I bet your emotions rose and fell based on the words you were hearing, or thinking. It is amazing how God has created language, and the power that He has given to it. With words God spoke everything into existence- except man. St. John calls Jesus the Word, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning." (John 1:1-2)
This sheds a lot of light on the subject. Since the beginning God has used His Word to demonstrate His power. Not only does God's Word demonstrate His power; God's Word is power.
With this as the backdrop it really shouldn't surprise us that words have power. Words heal and give life. Think about how you feel when someone gives you a compliment or some encouragement. Pay attention to your wife's face when you speak words of praise and love to her. Watch all of the stress and anxiety leave a person as you speak words of forgiveness to them. If you're still not convinced I will issue this challenge: Every day this week give your spouse one sincere compliment. At work, do the same for that person that you just can't stand. Also, do this for each of you children. Remember, this is every day this week. If you miss one day your week starts all over. You have to do it every day for an entire week.
I'm sure everyone is familiar with the damage that deceit does. Deceitful people cannot be trusted at all. These people are constantly trying to manipulate people and situations to their advantage. Deceitful people quickly gain a reputation for not being trustworthy. Trust is something that is very easily destroyed, but very slowly restored. Solomon said, "...a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit." If you have ever been betrayed or lied to you understand exactly what that feels like. He certainly is not overstating the point. Think of this in the context of marriage. How much more devastating is deceit in that context? Certainly to the married this is definitely not an overstatement. Instead it is a vital reminder of the responsibility that we have to each other. It is a wake up call to the supreme power of words. Choose your words carefully and wisely. Don't be sloppy and careless with them. We have all been entrusted with a huge responsibility. Take it seriously and use it well.
With this as the backdrop it really shouldn't surprise us that words have power. Words heal and give life. Think about how you feel when someone gives you a compliment or some encouragement. Pay attention to your wife's face when you speak words of praise and love to her. Watch all of the stress and anxiety leave a person as you speak words of forgiveness to them. If you're still not convinced I will issue this challenge: Every day this week give your spouse one sincere compliment. At work, do the same for that person that you just can't stand. Also, do this for each of you children. Remember, this is every day this week. If you miss one day your week starts all over. You have to do it every day for an entire week.
I'm sure everyone is familiar with the damage that deceit does. Deceitful people cannot be trusted at all. These people are constantly trying to manipulate people and situations to their advantage. Deceitful people quickly gain a reputation for not being trustworthy. Trust is something that is very easily destroyed, but very slowly restored. Solomon said, "...a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit." If you have ever been betrayed or lied to you understand exactly what that feels like. He certainly is not overstating the point. Think of this in the context of marriage. How much more devastating is deceit in that context? Certainly to the married this is definitely not an overstatement. Instead it is a vital reminder of the responsibility that we have to each other. It is a wake up call to the supreme power of words. Choose your words carefully and wisely. Don't be sloppy and careless with them. We have all been entrusted with a huge responsibility. Take it seriously and use it well.
Proverbs 18:21
The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.
God bless
Jason Fredrick
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