Proverbs 12

ScriptureProverbs 12:14, 18, 25¹⁴ From the fruit of their lips people are filled with good things,    and the work of their hands brings them reward.¹⁸ The words of the reckless pierce like swords,    but the tongue of the wise brings healing.²⁵ Anxiety weighs down the heart,    but a kind word cheers it up.Observation

I continue to love the directness of Proverbs.  I literally laughed out loud with verse one

“Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge,    but whoever hates correction is stupid.”We aren’t allowed to say stupid in our house…but there it is in the Bible.  No minced words. :)As we continue to read through the book, though, it can be summarized in a few words – live righteously!  Expanded a bit more…to live righteously, we must:

• heed counsel
• watch our words
• work
• promote peace

UnderstandingThe power of our words is mentioned many times throughout the Bible. From the power to speak life and healing…Proverbs 16:24 - Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.To the importance of “fixing” God’s words to our hearts and minds and teaching them to generations to come…Deuteronomy 11:18-21 - Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. ¹⁹ Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. ²⁰ Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates, ²¹ so that your days and the days of your children may be many in the land the Lord swore to give your ancestors, as many as the days that the heavens are above the earth.In short, our words have power…the power to heal, to bring peace, to speak life and also to speak death and destruction.  But why are our words so important?  It is because our words speak to what is in our hearts. Matthew 12:34b For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.Proverbs 4:23 Watch over your heart with all diligence, For from it flow the springs of life.Proverbs 16:23 The heart of the wise instructs his mouth And adds persuasiveness to his lips.Matthew 15:18 But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these things defile a man.So, in order to live righteously, we must watch our words and guard our hearts.Life ApplicationGod, may we be mindful of the power of our words today – choosing wisely when and how to speak.  May we consciously speak life into the lives around us – whether in prayer or in conversation with them.  May we be overflowing with your grace, your mercy, your kindness and your love – bringing peace and joy, understanding and love into our interactions with others.  And, in doing so, may people encounter you and come to seek and know you more.  May we also guard our hearts - being mindful of what we surround ourselves with, what we take in...that our words may not fall prey to the enemy.In your great and powerful name, we pray.  Amen.   To check out the discussion or to join in click here.- Rei