I’ve been reading through the book of Proverbs this month, trying to do one a day. I was really impacted by what Proverbs 12 has to say regarding how we use words, and how we receive them. Three verses stood out to me.
Listen First
“God gave you two ears and one mouth.” Maybe you’ve heard someone say that before, or maybe you’ve wanted to tell someone else. The words we say are really important, but wisdom would call you to listen.
[15] The way of a fool is right in his own eyes,
but a wise man listens to advice. (Proverbs 12:15 ESV)
Who is someone you could ask for advice before making a big decision? Go and ask, then listen with both ears. If no one comes to mind, pray and ask the Lord!
Speak Slowly
Have you ever known a person who always seems to speak before thinking? You’ve probably been that person once or twice. When thoughts turn into words, they’re nearly impossible to get back. Wisdom calls you to think before speaking, but then to speak with grace.
[18] There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts,
but the tongue of the wise brings healing. (Proverbs 12:18 ESV)
Who do you know that needs to hear an encouraging, healing word today? Think about it for a couple minutes, then share a word of hope or testimony of God’s goodness in your own life.
Build Up
Life is full of troubles. Some people tend to worry about those troubles more than others, but we all get weighed down at times. Wisdom calls you to speak good words (to yourself and others), and also to receive good words as you seek your joy in the Lord.
[25] Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down,
but a good word makes him glad. (Proverbs 12:25 ESV)
What are you facing that tends to make you anxious? What are some good words that help you trust the Lord?
Praise God for the good word He has spoken to us in Christ.
“For ‘everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved’” (Romans 10:13). “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1) (ESV).
Now that should make every Christian glad!