Tag Archives: speech

Reading:

Proverbs 15:1-4; 26:17-28

Is controlling my tongue enough? No, but it certainly marks important progress. Of course it is possible to control (at least for the moment) the tongue but still have evil thoughts an attitudes. However, reining in the tongue though the heart is contaminated with anger begins to address that inner problem. You see, choosing calm, gentle words has a wonderful effect on hearts. Sometime when you’re angry or disturbed, try a soft answer. I have tried this approach, and it works!

“A soft answer turneth awath wrath: but grievous words stir up anger” (Proverbs 15:1).

When I am angry, do I lash out with words or do I choose a soft answer instead?

“The eyes of the LORD are in every place” (Proverbs 15:3) — Is that a comfort or a threat to me?

How readily (and how frequently) do I verbally highlight another’s good?

What happens to relationships when I show up?

When my words enter another, what effect do they have within him?

[The Scriptures say in Proverbs 15:4 -- A wholesome tongue is a tree of life]
from Proverbs 15:4

Add value and beauty by your reproof!
Reading:

Proverbs 25:1-12

That’s the kind of correction I would like to give!

In other words, when I must correct someone, I would like to be as one who adds something of value and beauty to the “target” of my reproof. Like this:

“As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear” (Proverbs 25:12).

But how do I and my reproof become that kind of jewel?

What does it take to attain to such value and beauty?

Well, “unfortunately” it’s a painful, often unwelcome process:

“Take away the dross from the silver, and there shall come forth a vessel for the finer” (Proverbs 25:4).

😯 I have to experience and submit to the heat of the purifying fire!

Ouch!!

Only then will my reproof and counsel reach the degree of value, beauty, and purity which I crave.

Only then will my words be like this:

“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver” (Proverbs 25:11).

The Scriptures say in Proverbs 25:8 -- Go not forth hastily to strive

from Proverbs 25:8