More Than Words!

Reflection:  As we have been reading through the Proverbs, there are of course many wise sayings about all aspects of life, which are very practical in nature.  Today, three verses focus on the power of a timely word spoken, and the manner in which it is delivered.    

When you study the art of speaking and communicating, one looks at aspects such as tone, the emotion behind the words, and the subtleties of the messaging between the lines.  The Proverbs also focus on another very important part of our communication, timing!  Sometimes it is not so much what we way, but how we say it, and when we say it! Here are a couple of examples from today’s Proverbs chapter 15:

1 A gentle answer turns away wrath

    but a harsh word stirs up anger.

4 The soothing tongue is a tree of life,

    but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.

23 A person finds joy in giving an apt reply—

    and how good is a timely word!

These are great reminders to us for how and when we say things. How many of us have said something without thinking and then wondered, “Why didn’t I wait to say this, or say it in a different way?”  As we all know once we say something it is out there, we can’t erase our words.  We also see that the way we say things can produce different responses.  As the Proverbs say, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”  I have been in many situations where I observe the manner in which something is being said and can just about predict it is going to cause an angry response.

God has given us the power of words that can be used to build up and encourage, or tear down and humiliate.  Rash words spoken can leave scars on people’s souls.  Of course, there is forgiveness when these things happen, but how much better would it be to be mindful of today’s Proverbs so we can avoid needless injury.  Spend some time thinking about where you fall on this spectrum.  Are you someone who uses words wisely and aptly?  Do you take time to think about the words you use before you blurt them out?  I am sure we all can make progress in this area, as we are led more by God’s Spirit within us rather than our flesh.  The Holy Spirit who is within us will remind us when we are out line, but we need to listen to that still small voice and the Proverbs! God we pray that our words today will be used to build up and not tear down in Jesus’ name, Amen. 

Psalm 68:1-6

For the director of music. Of David. A psalm. A song.

1 May God arise, may his enemies be scattered;

    may his foes flee before him.

2 May you blow them away like smoke—

    as wax melts before the fire,

    may the wicked perish before God.

3 But may the righteous be glad

    and rejoice before God;

    may they be happy and joyful.

4 Sing to God, sing in praise of his name,

    extol him who rides on the clouds;

    rejoice before him—his name is the Lord.

5 A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows,

    is God in his holy dwelling.

6 God sets the lonely in families,

    he leads out the prisoners with singing;

    but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land.

Proverbs 15

15 A gentle answer turns away wrath,
    but a harsh word stirs up anger.

² The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge,
    but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.

³ The eyes of the Lord are everywhere,
    keeping watch on the wicked and the good.

⁴ The soothing tongue is a tree of life,
    but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.

⁵ A fool spurns a parent’s discipline,
    but whoever heeds correction shows prudence.

⁶ The house of the righteous contains great treasure,
    but the income of the wicked brings ruin.

⁷ The lips of the wise spread knowledge,
    but the hearts of fools are not upright.

⁸ The Lord detests the sacrifice of the wicked,
    but the prayer of the upright pleases him.

⁹ The Lord detests the way of the wicked,
    but he loves those who pursue righteousness.

¹⁰ Stern discipline awaits anyone who leaves the path;
    the one who hates correction will die.

¹¹ Death and Destruction lie open before the Lord—
    how much more do human hearts!

¹² Mockers resent correction,
    so they avoid the wise.

¹³ A happy heart makes the face cheerful,
    but heartache crushes the spirit.

¹⁴ The discerning heart seeks knowledge,
    but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly.

¹⁵ All the days of the oppressed are wretched,
    but the cheerful heart has a continual feast.

¹⁶ Better a little with the fear of the Lord
    than great wealth with turmoil.

¹⁷ Better a small serving of vegetables with love
    than a fattened calf with hatred.

¹⁸ A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict,
    but the one who is patient calms a quarrel.

¹⁹ The way of the sluggard is blocked with thorns,
    but the path of the upright is a highway.

²⁰ A wise son brings joy to his father,
    but a foolish man despises his mother.

²¹ Folly brings joy to one who has no sense,
    but whoever has understanding keeps a straight course.

²² Plans fail for lack of counsel,
    but with many advisers they succeed.

²³ A person finds joy in giving an apt reply—
    and how good is a timely word!

²⁴ The path of life leads upward for the prudent
    to keep them from going down to the realm of the dead.

²⁵ The Lord tears down the house of the proud,
    but he sets the widow’s boundary stones in place.

²⁶ The Lord detests the thoughts of the wicked,
    but gracious words are pure in his sight.

²⁷ The greedy bring ruin to their households,
    but the one who hates bribes will live.

²⁸ The heart of the righteous weighs its answers,
    but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil.

²⁹ The Lord is far from the wicked,
    but he hears the prayer of the righteous.

³⁰ Light in a messenger’s eyes brings joy to the heart,
    and good news gives health to the bones.

³¹ Whoever heeds life-giving correction
    will be at home among the wise.

³² Those who disregard discipline despise themselves,
    but the one who heeds correction gains understanding.

³³ Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the Lord,
    and humility comes before honor.

1 Corinthians 16:12-24

¹² Now about our brother Apollos: I strongly urged him to go to you with the brothers. He was quite unwilling to go now, but he will go when he has the opportunity.

¹³ Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. ¹⁴ Do everything in love.

¹⁵ You know that the household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and they have devoted themselves to the service of the Lord’s people. I urge you, brothers and sisters, ¹⁶ to submit to such people and to everyone who joins in the work and labors at it. ¹⁷ I was glad when Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus arrived, because they have supplied what was lacking from you. ¹⁸ For they refreshed my spirit and yours also. Such men deserve recognition.

Final Greetings

¹⁹ The churches in the province of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Priscilla greet you warmly in the Lord, and so does the church that meets at their house. ²⁰ All the brothers and sisters here send you greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss.

²¹ I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand.

²² If anyone does not love the Lord, let that person be cursed! Come, Lord!

²³ The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you.

²⁴ My love to all of you in Christ Jesus. Amen.

In your presence there is fullness of joy; in your right hand are pleasures for evermore. Psalm 16:11

Lord, to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life. John 6:68

Lord Jesus, we praise you as the Holy One of God. You willingly sacrificed yourself so we might enjoy eternal life in the heavenly kingdom. How can we thank you for this amazing gift? Alleluia! Amen.