The mouth
Those who guard their lips preserve life, but those who speak rashly will come to ruin. Proverbs 13:3
Reflections:
Upon reading the verse, it made me think of the words I/you speak every day. What do we speak? Well, for example, we utter many different kinds of speech, like words of love, hate, irritation, anger, or encouragement. We ask or beg for help from others or God in prayer. We use also different tones from smooth talks to yelling.
In writing our words, we can be formal especially when we are writing to authorities. Informal when we are writing to family or friends. I wonder what our words would be when writing to God?
In our written or verbal words, we can be optimistic. We convey a sense of hope and are positive. The opposite is to be negative. Words of doubt or worry.
When talking to others, we can be friendly, or judgmental. If we lack knowledge and are curious, then our words will be full of questions or reflection. It is like reading the Word of God. We should be curious, interested, and full of anticipation.
When talking to an audience, we can use persuasive words. Like those who make commercials to sell a thing. We need to pray then that God will give us the right words to persuade others to believe God.
If we meet someone who lacks hope or self-confidence, our words should be encouraging.
In the bible we are encouraged in 1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore my beloved, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord, your labor is not in vain.
1 Peter 5:7 Casting all your anxieties on Him because He cares for you.
Those verses encourage me today.
What about when we received a gift? Our words of course will be full av astonishment or joy if we like the gift, but if we don’t then our tone will be different. It made me think of the million gifts that God has given to us and is still giving. It reminds me to thank God with my words for all the gifts. Be joyful.
At work, we can use cooperative words like “ Oh I love your idea, it is amazing” if we like the idea of a boss or a co-worker. If not then, we can dismiss the idea and say that we don’t agree. Then it can lead to a debate. As Christians though, we should not engage ourselves in a debate or make others do want we want. We should instead pray to God to open our minds or give us the wisdom to know the truth. Maybe we are the one who is not right anyway?
The verse Proverbs 13:3 reminds each one to be careful with the words.
Application: I will meditate on the word of God so that it is His Words that will come out of my mouth in season and out of season. In every situation. During my ups and downs. In sickness or health. I will utter words of thanksgiving every day.
Prayer: Dear God, I pray for guidance every time we open our mouths. Let there be love in our words, not hate, or anger. Let there be an encouragement, not negative words. I pray that we speak healing and deliverance to ourselves and others. I pray that we speak Your Word because there is life in it. If we need wisdom, we can find it in Your Words. So, I pray Lord that it is Thine WORD we meditate daily. Not our problems or challenges. Not our mistakes and failures. Let there always be hope in our words. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen
