Proverbs – Sayings Of SolomonNäide

Keeping a Lid on Our Lips

So much of the book of Proverbs focuses on our words. This part of Proverbs 12 is no exception. Here Solomon gives us some clues concerning reigning in life, in our speaking: “When someone insults you, don’t respond in kind. Keep quiet and shrug it off. The fool has a short fuse, but the wise person uses words with discretion when put under pressure.”

The wise person chooses to tell the truth rather than to stretch or embellish it. Those who embrace heaven’s wisdom are truth tellers. They avoid telling lies.

Those who reign in life use words carefully and kindly. While fools use words recklessly and hurtfully, the wise use words that comfort and heal. The wise person doesn’t use words to impress other people with their knowledge. This is what fools do. Wise people are not addicted to the need for approval.

Wise people are skillful at bringing a life-giving word of encouragement to people who are struggling. Their words can do wonders to restore joy to a wounded heart.

Finally, wise people live in a constant flow of kingdom revelation. They know God’s strategies for reigning in life, therefore they always give good advice to others.

Do you see how important it is to be wise in our speaking?

How wonderful it is, then, that our Father, who teaches us to speak, is the One whose words are established forever!

If you have given words that tear others down, release that habit to Father God. Receive from him in exchange a heart filled with life-giving words to say. Practice by writing life-giving words to yourself, encouraging yourself with the good words that God says about you.