"There is a great difference between having to say something and having something worthwhile to say." These words caught my attention as Ps Edmund emphasized them at the IDMC Conference 2006. This statement has since stayed with me.
Wisdom calls for one to live wisely. One area of our orientation in life is the cultivation of words. Watch our words for they impact the listener. Careless and harsh words can easily kill one’s spirit.
It is sobering to note in Proverbs 10 that God measures wickedness and righteousness according to one’s spoken words. Words have the power to either hurt or heal.
Hence, it is important that one should start to re-orientate one’s life towards allowing gracious words to flow. Careless words are harsh and hasty. The bible calls careless words as ‘foolish talking’. Foolish talking can lead to negative impact and destructive consequences. How many times have relationships broken down because of careless and irresponsible foolish talking!
Verse 19 says “In the multitude of words, sin is not lacking. But he who restrains his lips is wise.”
The fool is someone who multiples words. There is volume and quantity but lacking the quality within. There is also a right place where silence is golden. I believe Proverbs calls us to the ‘much more’ and greater life.
Proverbs calls us to practice moderate speaking. It is important to know when to speak; what to speak and how to speak. It is the wisdom of balance that one learns to speak with grace and truth at the appointed time.
We cannot re-orientate our words until we re-orientate our hearts. Proverbs 4:23 is hence, foundational - “Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it springs the issue of life.”
Words are tied to pride or humility. So when God measures a righteous or wicked man, He measures us according to ‘our mouths’. (v 6, 11, 13, 14, 18, 19, 20, 21, 31, 32)
A person who learns to measure his words is a person who has learned humility.
Let’s continue to spur one another towards wise living today as a community. Practice all that you have heard and learned. The challenge I would like to pose to you today is, “Begin it at home.”
“How are your words to your loved ones today? Are they words of healing or words that hurt?”
Proverbs 24:3 says “Through wisdom a house is built. And by understanding it is established.”
Ps Loh Li Li
Wisdom calls for one to live wisely. One area of our orientation in life is the cultivation of words. Watch our words for they impact the listener. Careless and harsh words can easily kill one’s spirit.
It is sobering to note in Proverbs 10 that God measures wickedness and righteousness according to one’s spoken words. Words have the power to either hurt or heal.
Hence, it is important that one should start to re-orientate one’s life towards allowing gracious words to flow. Careless words are harsh and hasty. The bible calls careless words as ‘foolish talking’. Foolish talking can lead to negative impact and destructive consequences. How many times have relationships broken down because of careless and irresponsible foolish talking!
Verse 19 says “In the multitude of words, sin is not lacking. But he who restrains his lips is wise.”
The fool is someone who multiples words. There is volume and quantity but lacking the quality within. There is also a right place where silence is golden. I believe Proverbs calls us to the ‘much more’ and greater life.
Proverbs calls us to practice moderate speaking. It is important to know when to speak; what to speak and how to speak. It is the wisdom of balance that one learns to speak with grace and truth at the appointed time.
We cannot re-orientate our words until we re-orientate our hearts. Proverbs 4:23 is hence, foundational - “Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it springs the issue of life.”
Words are tied to pride or humility. So when God measures a righteous or wicked man, He measures us according to ‘our mouths’. (v 6, 11, 13, 14, 18, 19, 20, 21, 31, 32)
A person who learns to measure his words is a person who has learned humility.
Let’s continue to spur one another towards wise living today as a community. Practice all that you have heard and learned. The challenge I would like to pose to you today is, “Begin it at home.”
“How are your words to your loved ones today? Are they words of healing or words that hurt?”
Proverbs 24:3 says “Through wisdom a house is built. And by understanding it is established.”
Ps Loh Li Li
