Speaking Well

There have been times in my life when I would hear hurtful words,
especially when I made a mistake. But there were also moments when I would
speak harshly and hurt others. I would be inconsiderate of them. I would be
insensitive and fail to understand people.

I have been careless with my words. Whenever someone speaks unkindly to me,
I have a tendency to speak with rudeness as well. I used to not care if I
offended a person with my words. I only cared about airing my negative
thoughts without minding if my words would offend the other person.

Now I realize that spoken words can open the door to new and better
relationships, but words can also cause relationships to break down. The
Bible tells us that words can give peace, but they can also spark
disagreements and anger. Words can bring joy, but they can also bring
sadness and bitterness. Words can give life or bring death (Proverbs 18:21).

Words have power. When you speak, you have the power to influence and
impact your hearers. God calls us to use our words the way He does, to
speak words that encourage. Speak words that empower. Speak with kindness.
Speak words of comfort, healing, gratitude, and appreciation.

Jesus said, “The mouth speaks what the heart is full of” (Matthew 12:34;
Luke 6:45). If you’ve put your trust in Jesus, your heart is being
transformed by His love. You are a child of God, and He has blessed you
with a beautiful tongue to speak the right words. Soak yourself in the love
and kindness of God. He will guide you with
kind words to say. As you rely on God, the Holy Spirit will give you the
right words and help you speak gently and with respect. • Golda Dilema

• When people speak unkindly to us, it hurts. God invites us to come to Him
with all our hurts and receive His healing love and kindness. Can you think
of any hurtful words people have spoken to or about you? Consider taking
some time to bring these words to God in prayer.

• Can you think of a time you hurt others with your words? You can confess
all these things to God, knowing that Jesus’s forgiveness covers all your
sin, and you can ask Him to help you speak in ways that are wholesome and
build others up (Ephesians 4:29-32).

Gold there is, and rubies in abundance, but lips that speak knowledge are a
rare jewel. Proverbs 20:15 (NIV)

Read Verses:

Proverbs 20:15; Proverbs 11:9; Proverbs 15:1-Proverbs 15:4; Proverbs 16:24