Dear Daily Message Readers,
READ: Proverbs 16:1-19
Proverbs 16:2-3 (NIV) "If you have been trapped by what you said, ensnared by the words of your mouth, 3then do this, my son, to free yourself, since you have fallen into your neighbor's hands: Go and humble yourself; press your plea with your neighbor!"
We all know the power of words and the lasting effects they have on those around us. Trash talking and put-downs, for instance, are more and more common nowadays. You have probably even noticed it during government sessions, church meetings, classes, or at work. And I probably don't even need to mention TV shows and movies that have become such a part of our life. Name-calling and vulgar language are as common as food in our society.
The interesting thing about today's cultural acceptance of negative language is that each is mentioned in today's Scripture reading. You see, of the seven things the Lord hates, described in Proverbs 16:16-19, all of them relate to the causes and effects of damaging words:
Along the same line, Jesus said, "Out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks" (Matthew 12:34). The place to begin dealing with our words is inside our thoughts about God, others, and ourselves. If we accompany that with a commitment to stop speaking harmful words, we have begun a wonderful correction in life.
Another way to combat negative language is to encourage both Christians and non-Christians. This doesn't mean have to flatter them. Rather, this means that we compliment them on a job well done or an act of kindness. Barnabas, for example, encouraged the people in Antioch "to remain true to the Lord" (Acts 11:23). And finally, two of the leaders that traveled with Paul and Barnabas "said much to encourage and strengthen the brothers" (Acts 15:32).
A careless word can cause strife and anxiety that will last a lifetime. A kind word, though, can bring healing and encouragement to a hurting person or relationship. Thats why I challenge to follow God's way in what flows from your heart and lips today. Faith Lesson: Ephesians 4:29: "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen."
In Christ,
Darin Smith
READ: Proverbs 16:1-19
Proverbs 16:2-3 (NIV) "If you have been trapped by what you said, ensnared by the words of your mouth, 3then do this, my son, to free yourself, since you have fallen into your neighbor's hands: Go and humble yourself; press your plea with your neighbor!"
We all know the power of words and the lasting effects they have on those around us. Trash talking and put-downs, for instance, are more and more common nowadays. You have probably even noticed it during government sessions, church meetings, classes, or at work. And I probably don't even need to mention TV shows and movies that have become such a part of our life. Name-calling and vulgar language are as common as food in our society.
The interesting thing about today's cultural acceptance of negative language is that each is mentioned in today's Scripture reading. You see, of the seven things the Lord hates, described in Proverbs 16:16-19, all of them relate to the causes and effects of damaging words:
"There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to him: 17 haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, 18 a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, 19 a false witness who pours out lies and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers."
Along the same line, Jesus said, "Out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks" (Matthew 12:34). The place to begin dealing with our words is inside our thoughts about God, others, and ourselves. If we accompany that with a commitment to stop speaking harmful words, we have begun a wonderful correction in life.
Another way to combat negative language is to encourage both Christians and non-Christians. This doesn't mean have to flatter them. Rather, this means that we compliment them on a job well done or an act of kindness. Barnabas, for example, encouraged the people in Antioch "to remain true to the Lord" (Acts 11:23). And finally, two of the leaders that traveled with Paul and Barnabas "said much to encourage and strengthen the brothers" (Acts 15:32).
A careless word can cause strife and anxiety that will last a lifetime. A kind word, though, can bring healing and encouragement to a hurting person or relationship. Thats why I challenge to follow God's way in what flows from your heart and lips today. Faith Lesson: Ephesians 4:29: "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen."
In Christ,
Darin Smith
