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| Photo Courtesy of Robbert van der Steeg |
This is part of a series, studying the book of Proverbs during the month of July, 2011. For more details click here.
Theme
We are starting to read more about the words we choose to use in everyday conversation. The best estimates are all over the place, but general consensus says that women use about 8,000 words per day, while men use 6,000 words, plus or minus a few. It's also been stated that women speak more than men because guys tend not to listen, and the women must repeat themselves. Fortunately, my wife is married to a great listener, so I never lose track of what's she.... Oh look, a butterfly!
Solomon was keenly aware of the tongue, and the effects it had on people. The same mouth that is capable of building up someone is unfortunately also quite capable of tearing down that very same person. Over half of these verses, either directly or indirectly, refer to the actions and consequences of the tongue.
Think for a moment about the last kind words spoken to you. And the most recent hurtful statements aimed at you. What about the words you chose to share with someone yesterday? In reflecting upon yesterday's conversations, do any particular words stand out? Were they helpful or hurtful?
The 16th Century English poet Seamus MacManus stated ever so eloquently, "Many a man's tongue broke his nose." Have you ever at some point in your life been that person? Are you that person today? The tongue is the body part that most gets people in trouble.
Today, try to speak the kind word to someone that they will remember for days to come.
Solomon was keenly aware of the tongue, and the effects it had on people. The same mouth that is capable of building up someone is unfortunately also quite capable of tearing down that very same person. Over half of these verses, either directly or indirectly, refer to the actions and consequences of the tongue.
Think for a moment about the last kind words spoken to you. And the most recent hurtful statements aimed at you. What about the words you chose to share with someone yesterday? In reflecting upon yesterday's conversations, do any particular words stand out? Were they helpful or hurtful?
The 16th Century English poet Seamus MacManus stated ever so eloquently, "Many a man's tongue broke his nose." Have you ever at some point in your life been that person? Are you that person today? The tongue is the body part that most gets people in trouble.
Today, try to speak the kind word to someone that they will remember for days to come.
Key Verses For Me
Proverbs 13:3 - Those who control their tongue will have a long life; opening your mouth can ruin everything.
Quote
No man has a prosperity so high or firm, but that two or three words can dishearten it; and there is no calamity which right words will not begin to redress. - Ralph Waldo Emerson
“Tis better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt.” - Abraham Lincoln
Related Scriptures
James 1:26 - If you claim to be religious but don't control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless.
James 3:2 - Indeed we all make many mistakes. For if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way.
James 3:2 - Indeed we all make many mistakes. For if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way.
Prayer
Father, thank You for blessing each of us with another new day to worship and honor You. I pray that each word out of our mouths is a blessing, and not a curse, to those within earshot.
So what verse(s) stick out to you and why?
Verse 19 is wonderful!
ReplyDeleteIt is pleasant to see dreams come true, but fools refuse to turn from evil to attain them.
I'm a dreamer - always have been. But sometimes I forget that God WANTS me to attain my dreams. Actually, sometimes I think He purposely goes the opposite way of my dreams - and that's frustrating. But it's my puny little mind that needs to adjust to the WONDERS of what God's dreams FOR ME are. They are so much better than anything I can imagine.
dreams + His blessing + action = unimaginable results!
ReplyDelete