Tuesday 17 Dec 2019

December 17: Proverbs 27:17

Key Verse: Proverbs 27:17
As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.

Devotion:
We don't think too much about just how hard hitting our words can be. We often forget we could destroy people’s spirits just through something we say. We like to think we do say the right things all the time, but there are far too many times when we let slip with words which are just plain wrong! When we are talking to friends, we are more likely to say the right thing – unless we start to get angry. When we are talking to strangers, we probably are more likely to lie... “But I don't do that!” I hear you say; well think about this. How many times do we give a false excuse to someone just to get out of doing something – like those survey people and their clipboards in town centres!

Our words can achieve so much, but they can do so much damage as well. We have to be aware of just what they can do and to treat our mouths with care! I don't mean flossing and rinsing with mouthwash every day but taking care of what comes out of them! We do have the choice as to what comes out of them if we are willing to take the time to think before we speak. If we think a few milliseconds before letting rip, we are more likely to say something kind than a harsh rebuke!

With our words we can build people up too. We can help others by telling them the right things, telling them about things we know so they can learn as we have learned. Heading into conversations which will have a direction and meaning are going to be a whole lot more profitable to both parties than meaningless gossip. Gossip will spread bad feelings whereas the truth should build strength and trust. Some words will break down friendships whilst others will build them. Choosing what you say and when you say it may well make the difference between building and breaking. The wrong words will leave dents or wounds like the marks on two swords have after a sword fight. The right words could be like using those two swords carefully with each other to sharpen both blades. We have the choice as to how we use our mouths... Caution, mouth opening!

Points to Ponder:
How often do you think you say the wrong things?

Have you tried asking God to guide your mind so you can say the right things?