Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – October 21, 2016
The beast was given a mouth to utter proud words and blasphemies and to exercise its authority for forty-two months. Revelation 13:5
Poisonous words come from a proud heart. In our original state of sin, Satan, the old serpent, infected us with the venom of injurious words. We have to watch what we say, or we may regret what we say. In their anger, a person tends to say what their parents said in their anger. It is a vicious cycle of cynicism that only Christ can break. “They make their tongues as sharp as a serpent’s; the poison of vipers is on their lips” (Psalm 140:3).
Instead of lashing out with language that stings or is even slanderous, there needs to be a cooling down time for calm, clear thinking. Frustration tends to feed judgmental behavior. When our throat is dry and our blood pressure is up, it is not the best time to speak, because poisonous words pronounce judgments driven by anger and emotion.
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Proverbs 15:1).
If you have been bitten by bitter words, then apply the balm of first bowing down to Christ. Jesus has just what the wounded soul and hurting heart needs. The Holy Spirit helps you discern how you can become better, and He gives you the patience and humility on when to wait, or when to confront. Victims of poisonous words need the serum of their Savior’s love and forgiveness. When applied liberally and regularly it allows you to handle harsh words with an understanding and non-defensive attitude.
Followers of Jesus are men and women of ‘no reputation’. It is God who gets the glory and grants a good name. So, go to the Lord when your pride has been punctured by poisonous words, and ask Him for faith to forgive and grace to extend pleasant words. Don’t stew when you have been stung by slander; rather apply the ointment of God’s grace. Pleasant words work out the hurt and replace it with hope. Words like, “I love you, I believe in you, how can I help, how can I pray for you?” bring out the best in those in need of soul nourishment. Emotions venture back out in vulnerability within a safe environment of encouragement. Offer pleasant words that feed hungry hearts often.
“Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones” (Proverbs 16:24).
Prayer
Heavenly Father season my speech with grace and truth with an aim to build up and not tear down.Application
What are some pleasant words like, ‘How can I help?’ that I can apply to a wounded relationship?Related Reading
Proverbs 12:25; 15:4; Zechariah 1:13; Acts 20:2; 1 Peter 5:12 Today’s reading is taken from Boyd’s most popular book: Seeking Daily the Heart of God, a 365 day devotional.Post/Tweet today
Victims of poisonous words need the serum of their Savior’s love and forgiveness. #WisdomHunters #proudwordsWorship Resource
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Very encouraging
Thank you, Carlen. We always appreciate hearing from a fellow wisdom hunter!
Grateful for you,
Gwynne
“But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” Hebrews 3:13