Devotional: How to speak wise words
One would think it should be easy for us who are Christians to speak wise words, to always speak the truth in love. But it isn’t. As Paul reminds us in Romans, the right things we want to say we do not say, and what we hate to say, we often say (Romans 7:15).
We have learned patterns of wise speech and foolish speaking from our families, co-workers and the media. These patterns shape what we say. In addition, as finite human beings, we are not able to see every facet of a situation—only God does. We constantly need to seek God's perspective and not lean on our own understanding before speaking.
Solomon, the wisest man on earth, recognized that right speech was challenging. He wrote over a hundred proverbs about communication. These proverbs are written in the context of God calling out to us in wisdom where we work and live—the very places where we struggle with our conversations. Just as there is a black and white contrast between Satan’s words of deception bringing death and God’s loving words that bring life and redemption, so also Solomon paints a contrast between the words of the wise and the fool. There is no middle ground. The words of the wise bring blessing, the words of the fool bring violence and evil.
God’s grace can transform your tongue into an instrument of righteousness. Through God’s power, your words can rescue people. God has blessed you with discernment which you can share from a pure heart.
Through the Holy Spirit, you have wisdom which can be a fountain of life, turning a person from the snares of death.
Treasure the words that you say today. Hold your tongue, weigh your answers carefully and remain even-tempered. Speak gracious words that promote instruction.
Your words have the power of life and death, so choose to speak life into every conversation.
Picture your words like a honeycomb that is sweet to the soul, bringing healing to weary bones and sustaining the life of your workplace, your family and your community.
First posted at www.faithatwork.ca/devotionals
Photo source: istock
 | James Bruyn is a bi-vocational visionary leader, writer and speaker who enjoys helping individuals integrate their faith in God with their daily life. He leads a ministry to Christians in the marketplace in Calgary, provides leadership coaching, and consults for the rail industry. He writes a weekly devotional and also has a devotional book, 31 Days with God at Work (Marketplace 2018). Learn More » |
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