Words have tremendous power.
Words wound. They hurt. They slander. They promote lies and they cover the truth. Words that flow from a wicked heart often demolish the heart of their target.
Words are arrows to the heart. They are daggers to the soul.
And words heal. They help us find the right way in life. They show us the way of grace. They lead us to the blood of Christ and his forgiveness. Even correction and discipline for the believer bring life.
Words are a powerful salve for the spirit. They are miracle medicine for the heart.
Solomon knew the power of words to wound or to heal. And so he encourages us to make the choice to be healers when we open our mouths.
Whoever heeds discipline shows the way to life, but whoever ignores correction leads others astray. Whoever conceals hatred with lying lips and spreads slander is a fool. Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues. The tongue of the righteous is choice silver, but the heart of the wicked is of little value. (Proverbs 10:17-20, NIV)
Our Bible reading for Wednesday, April 22, is Joshua 1:1 – 2:24, Luke 21:5-38 and Proverbs 10:11-20.
Lord, I am sorry for the times when I have not listened to correction. Forgive me for my misuse of my tongue. Keep my heart from wickedness. Thank you most of all for your kind words to me. The good news of our salvation is the best news ever — and it heals!
Header image based on "Magnetic Fridge Poetry" by Steve Johnson, CC By 2.0
pastorjeffgunn 
Our Bible reading for Wednesday, April 22, is Joshua 1:1 – 2:24, Luke 21:5-38 and Proverbs 10:11-20.
Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. (Joshua 1:8 NIV)
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9 NIV)
Heavenly Father, your word is truly a sacrament. It is truly all things in one. Help me Lord to continue reading, meditating, learning all I can. I know that every moment I speak in the bible is time away from sin. Lord I ask that you keep my spirit filled with courage and strength. I only want to serve you and share the wonderful message of all you have done for me. Father I know there are many times I fail you. Thank you for listening to me when I pray and lift these things to you.
~Paul Montenieri
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