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Healing or Harm?

There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.      Proverbs 12:18   

 

How often have you had to apologize for something you said just because you didn't stop to think? You weren't trying to hurt someone; you didn't intend to be malicious; you may not even have been engaged in a serious conversation. But the reckless word slipped out--and once it was spoken, the damage was done. Jesus warned that people "shall give account in the day of judgement for every idle word that men shall speak (Matthew 12:36). Those are sobering words.

But the answer to reckless words isn't to try to keep silent! Instead, the Bible says, we should seek to do good with our speech: "The tongue of the wise brings healing." Think back over the people who have encouraged or helped you over the years. Weren't they examples of the proverb?

Remember: Jesus Christ wants to be Ruler over every part of you life--including your tongue. Commit it to Him and ask Him for the wisdom to know when to speak and when to keep silent, and how to use your tongue to encourage and help others,

From, HOPE for Each Day: Morning & Evening Devotions,  Billy Graham.