September 24, 2025

OUR WORDS MATTER

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing. Truthful words stand the test of time, but lies are soon exposed. Deceit fills hearts that are plotting evil; joy fills hearts that are planning peace!”

Proverbs 12:18-20 NLT

---

TODAY’S THOUGHT

Words are powerful. One of the most famous examples of the power of words is Gerald Ratner’s speech made in April 1991. He was the Executive Officer of a British jewelry chain that had grown during the 1980s to over 2,500 stores worldwide. Their success had been made on providing affordable jewelry. 

Ratner made a public speech in which he attempted to make a joke about a couple of their products. He said their products were “total crap” and one set of earrings was “cheaper than a prawn sandwich” and would probably not last as long.

His words were picked up by the news media and within days the company lost over $600 million in value. Ratner was forced to resign and the company changed its name.

Proverbs 12:18–20 reminds us that our words are never neutral. They either cut and wound or heal and build. Solomon draws a clear contrast between careless, deceitful speech and words that are wise, truthful, and peace filled.

Gerald Ratner’s company’s reputation—built over years—collapsed in a matter of days because of one unwise statement. If words can destroy financial empires, how much more can they wound relationships, families, and even our testimony as followers of Christ?

Let’s break Solomon’s teaching down further:

1. Healing vs. Hurting Words

• Careless words are like a sword—they pierce, leaving behind scars. But wise words act like medicine, bringing encouragement, comfort, and restoration.

• The challenge is to pause before we speak and ask: Will this heal, or will it hurt? Both our spoken and written words (including texts and social media posts) have the power to either build up or tear down.

• The Spirit of God helps us filter our speech, so it reflects the gentleness and life Solomon describes in Proverbs 15:4, “a soothing tongue is a tree of life.”

2. Truthful vs. Deceptive Words

• Lies may seem to “work” in the moment, but they eventually collapse under the weight of exposure. Truth, however, endures and builds trust.

• A reputation for honesty is one of the greatest gifts we can give others—it means people don’t have to second-guess us.

• When our words twist reality, even slightly, it points to a deeper integrity problem. Solomon reminds us: truth lasts, lies don’t.

3. The Heart Behind the Words

• Words are never accidental—they flow out of what is already in our hearts. Jesus said, “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Luke 6:45).

• If bitterness, pride, or anger fill our hearts, it will eventually leak out in our words. Conversely, if peace and joy fill our hearts, our speech will reflect it.

• This is why Solomon links speech with the condition of the heart. The problem isn’t only what we say—it’s who we are inside. That’s why our prayer must always be for God to cleanse our hearts, so our words naturally align with His Spirit.

Takeaway:

Words matter. They can either destroy like Ratner’s careless remarks or heal and strengthen like the wisdom Solomon describes. As believers, we’re called to let the Spirit guide our speech, so our words bring truth, life, and peace.

---

TODAY’S PRAYER

Holy Spirit, guard my tongue and cleanse my heart. May my words bring healing, truth, and peace. Let my words reflect Your wisdom and love. Amen.

“Scroll down to share what you feel God is saying based on today’s reading.”