September 26, 2025
- djohnstoncc
- Sep 26
- 2 min read
THE POWER OF OUR WORDS
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
“A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare. The tongue of the wise makes knowledge appealing, but the mouth of a fool belches out foolishness. The Lord is watching everywhere, keeping his eye on both the evil and the good. Gentle words are a tree of life; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.”
Proverbs 15:1–4 NLT
TODAY’S THOUGHT
The book of Proverbs repeatedly highlights the power of our words. Words can either heal or harm, build up or tear down. In this passage, Solomon shows us three contrasts that reveal how much impact our speech can have:
1. Gentle Answer vs. Harsh Words
Conflict is unavoidable in a broken world. In those heated moments, we face a choice: respond with gentleness or with harshness.
• A gentle answer requires patience, self-control, and kindness—fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23). Such words have the power to calm storms.
• Harsh words, on the other hand, ignite anger and escalate conflict, like pouring gasoline on a fire.
2. Tongue of the Wise vs. Mouth of a Fool
The words of the wise are appealing—they draw people in, helping others grasp truth and wisdom.
• The wise tongue communicates knowledge in a way that brings clarity and peace.
• But the foolish mouth spews (“belches”) out words that are careless and offensive. Foolishness in Scripture is linked with selfishness and sin, and Solomon’s imagery reminds us that unwise words can stink up a room like foul air.
3. Gentle Words vs. Deceitful Words
Gentle words are described as a tree of life. They refresh, strengthen, and give shade, much like a tree that provides both shelter and fruit.
• Gentle words bring encouragement and healing.
• Deceitful words, however, are destructive. The Hebrew word here carries the idea of something subversive—undermining and tearing down. Such speech crushes the spirit and robs life.
Reflection
Think back over your own words this past week:
• Did your words reflect gentleness, wisdom, and truth?
• Or did they lean toward harshness, foolishness, or deceit?
TODAY’S PRAYER
Holy Spirit, I need Your help to guard my tongue. Let my words bring life, healing, and wisdom. Keep me from words that wound or deceive. May my speech reflect Your Spirit living in me.
“Scroll down to share what you feel God is saying based on today’s reading.”
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