Daily devotion – Right words!
Proverbs 12:6
“The words of the wicked are to lie in wait for blood: but the mouth of the upright shall deliver them.”
Did you know that God can use your words, when they are guided by His love, grace, and wisdom, to bring deliverance? In contrast, the words of the unrighteous often bring bondage, discouragement, and harm.
The book of Proverbs repeatedly reminds us of the tremendous power of our speech.
Proverbs 12:13 says, “The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips: but the just shall come out of trouble.” Our words have consequences. They can either trap us or become instruments that God uses for good.
However, right words begin with right thoughts. Proverbs 12:5 tells us, “The thoughts of the righteous are right.” Before God changes our speech, He first transforms our hearts and minds.
When our hearts are surrendered to Him, our words become a blessing to others. Proverbs 10:21 declares, “The lips of the righteous feed many.” What a wonderful picture! Our words can nourish weary souls, encourage the discouraged, strengthen the weak, and point people to Christ.
The blessing also returns to us. Proverbs 13:2 says, “A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth.” God honours speech that reflects His character.
Because our words matter so much, we should seek God’s wisdom before we speak. Our words can bring healing to those who have been deeply hurt.
Proverbs 12:18 says, “There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.”
Our words can also restore those who have been wounded by lies.
Proverbs 12:19-22 reminds us:
“The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment. Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counsellors of peace is joy… Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight.”
Truth, spoken in love, brings stability, peace, and joy.
Finally, never underestimate the impact of one encouraging sentence. Proverbs 12:25 says,
“Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.”
There are people all around us carrying heavy burdens that we know nothing about. A Spirit-led word of encouragement, a promise from Scripture, or a simple expression of Christ’s love may be exactly what they need today.
As you go through this week, ask the Lord to make you sensitive to the opportunities He places before you. May He fill your heart with His truth so that your mouth speaks the right words—words that bring healing to the hurting, hope to the discouraged, truth to the confused, and glory to Jesus Christ.