Breaking The Chains Of Addiction
Attitudes That Keep You Prisoner
Harsh Tongue With Others
Proverbs 12:18
The words of the reckless pierce like swords,
but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
The words of the reckless pierce like swords,
but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
Our words carry weight, so much weight that Solomon compares rash words to sword thrusts – violent, piercing, mutilating. This is not the only place in Proverbs where he discusses the weight of words (see 8:7, 10:18, 10:32, 13:3). Clearly, how we use them should be of significant consideration to us.
How have you been speaking about other people? Are your words harsh like sword thrusts, or are they healing? The Bible speaks so clearly about the power of words because the way that we speak is a reflection of our hearts. Jesus once said to the crowds,
"The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks. (Luke 6:45)"
When you’re tempted to speak about another person, ask yourself these questions to determine if your words are rash like sword thrusts or a source of healing:
For the Son of God never spoke an unhelpful, murderous word in his human life. Christ is the Word made flesh, God’s perfect, pure, life-giving manifestation of himself. Jesus submitted to death on a cross, in order to atone for every harsh word we’ve ever spoken. He was thrust in his side with a sword as he hung there, our sins (rash words included) having nailed him to the tree.
Jesus Christ took the sword thrust and the fullness of God’s wrath for our harsh words, bringing us life and salvation in his name. Now we have the opportunity to bear his image in the way we speak about other people, with words of healing and hope.
How have you been speaking about other people? Are your words harsh like sword thrusts, or are they healing? The Bible speaks so clearly about the power of words because the way that we speak is a reflection of our hearts. Jesus once said to the crowds,
"The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks. (Luke 6:45)"
When you’re tempted to speak about another person, ask yourself these questions to determine if your words are rash like sword thrusts or a source of healing:
- How would I feel if this person spoke similar words about me?
- Would I say these words to their face?
- Is what I’m about to say absolutely true, and if so, is it helpful?
- Am I hoping for the best in this person, or am I assuming the worst about them?
For the Son of God never spoke an unhelpful, murderous word in his human life. Christ is the Word made flesh, God’s perfect, pure, life-giving manifestation of himself. Jesus submitted to death on a cross, in order to atone for every harsh word we’ve ever spoken. He was thrust in his side with a sword as he hung there, our sins (rash words included) having nailed him to the tree.
Jesus Christ took the sword thrust and the fullness of God’s wrath for our harsh words, bringing us life and salvation in his name. Now we have the opportunity to bear his image in the way we speak about other people, with words of healing and hope.
If you identified the negative attitude of Harsh Tongue With Others in your DMI today, take some time to complete this devotional. Read each passage beginning with
(Proverbs 12:18).
Meditate on this verse (s). Continue with the next passage until all passages are completed. It is imperative that you allow the Holy Spirit to confront us with our sinful attitudes and character flaws, and that we take responsibility for our behavior without making excuses. This requires looking honestly at the intentions of our hearts if we are to allow God to work in these areas. Ask the Lord to reveal the truth behind these attitudes. Our hearts are deceitful and we will try to hide the true reasons behind these behaviors. Be sure to write down any revelations of the Holy Spirit, especially where they come from.
(Proverbs 12:18).
Meditate on this verse (s). Continue with the next passage until all passages are completed. It is imperative that you allow the Holy Spirit to confront us with our sinful attitudes and character flaws, and that we take responsibility for our behavior without making excuses. This requires looking honestly at the intentions of our hearts if we are to allow God to work in these areas. Ask the Lord to reveal the truth behind these attitudes. Our hearts are deceitful and we will try to hide the true reasons behind these behaviors. Be sure to write down any revelations of the Holy Spirit, especially where they come from.