Healthy Words

He who speaks truth declares righteousness, But a false witness, deceit. There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, But the tongue of the wise promotes health. The truthful lip shall be established forever, But a lying tongue is but for a moment. Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, But counselors of peace have joy.

─ Proverbs 12:17-20 NKJV

“That lady was really rude,” Pam commented to her friend, Gena as they walked to her car in the shopping center parking lot.

“Yeah, I never have a good comeback when someone is nasty to me,” Gena complained. “I usually stand there with my mouth hanging open, looking stupid. I can always think of something I wish I’d said in my defense or to retaliate after the ugly conversation.”

“Well, that’s probably a blessing in disguise,” Pam responded. “I know I’ve given people a piece of my mind in the heat of the moment, and later God convicted me, and I’ve had to go back and apologize to the person.”

Wisdom from Proverbs speaks clearly to this in our verse today. As Christ followers, we should be marked by truth. Our words should soothe the heart and heal the wounds of those we speak to. Lies are eventually found out, but truthful words stand for eternity. When you choose to offer peace, God’s Word says you are filled with joy.

God doesn’t send us to speak judgement, but to minister encouragement to the heart of others (Matthew 7:1-3; 1 Thessalonians 5:11).

Today’s One Thing

Look back on the conversations you’ve had in the past week or two.

• Are your words marked by truth?
• Have your words soothed the hearts of others?
• Do you seek to establish peace in your conversations?

Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to help you consider these three questions before you speak a word.

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