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Bible Reading Plan

Reading Plan: Proverbs 4:20-27

My son, pay attention to what I say;
    turn your ear to my words.
Do not let them out of your sight,
    keep them within your heart;
for they are life to those who find them
    and health to one’s whole body.
Above all else, guard your heart,
    for everything you do flows from it.
Keep your mouth free of perversity;
    keep corrupt talk far from your lips.
Let your eyes look straight ahead;
    fix your gaze directly before you.
Give careful thought to the^[a] paths for your feet
    and be steadfast in all your ways.
Do not turn to the right or the left;
    keep your foot from evil.

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Daily Devotional: Words Matter

A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”

Matthew 12:35-37 

I “will have to give an account on the day of judgment for every empty (careless, harmful) word I have spoken.” This scripture verse is very sobering because I have spoken many careless words, not intending to hurt someone. I have said sarcastic words defensively. I have said things in moments of frustration that were unkind. The key to avoiding careless speech is to become a monk in a silent monastery. Problem solved.  You’re welcome.

All joking aside,  another solution is to choose to rise above negative knee-jerk emotional reactions and not let other people’s words set you off. It’s helpful to internalize the fact that if you have accepted Jesus, you are royalty, a child of the King. I have seen the British Royal Family on TV. They are calm, pleasant, and above the chaos. They are set apart, and they know it. As a child of God, how much more are you set apart! Therefore, you too can act with the same quiet confidence as we strive to see all people as God sees them, fearfully and wonderfully made. 

I have spoken carelessly so many times that I can’t even choose one as an example. There is an area I have gotten right, though. When calling into a customer service line with a frustrating situation that is not going my way, I will be intentional with the representative. I’ll say, “The energy you hear in my voice is not directed at you personally. I know you are simply doing your job and following the company policies. I am frustrated, though and hoping you can partner with me to find a creative solution within your protocol that will satisfy me with a desired outcome.” Frequently, my new ally will soften and work harder on my behalf. I owned my quick, dramatic words. I was fully aware of a real person on the other end of the call. I wouldn’t loftily claim I acted like Jesus, but I would assert I was demonstrating more of the Holy Spirit than my selfish humanity.

This scripture puts a significant consequence on our words. They will acquit or condemn us. Our great solace is that God gave us the Holy Spirit to help and Jesus to save us. As we work to internalize His love, we will spill over with His love to those around us

Next Steps

Pretend these words are being sung to you. This is an example of getting it right with your words.