The Tongue of the Wise
“17 An honest witness tells the truth,
but a false witness tells lies.
18 The words of the reckless pierce like swords,
but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
19 Truthful lips endure forever,
but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.
20 Deceit is in the hearts of those who plot evil,
but those who promote peace have joy.”
The book of Proverbs offers practical guidance on how we, as God’s people, should live, illustrating how a life of serving God should manifest in our everyday actions. Although salvation is a gift of grace, not something earned by our efforts, it is fitting for those who have received such grace to live in a way that reflects it. Salvation is not merely a one-time event; it’s an ongoing process that ultimately leads to complete union with God. Through this journey, we are transformed to reflect His holiness and love in our lives.
Proverbs especially emphasizes the importance of our words. Language is not just a tool for communication; it reflects our inner self and should demonstrate the renewal that God has worked in our hearts. Our words must be truthful and honest, yet spoken with wisdom. We are called to avoid harmful or harsh language, instead offering words filled with love and truth—words that act as healing balm to others.
God’s truth comes from His holiness, a holiness that heals and restores. This truth doesn’t only expose our shortcomings; it aims to make us whole and free. In our speech, we should strive to communicate truth within love. When truth is expressed in love, our words become a source of encouragement and strength, nourishing and uplifting those who hear them.
Today, let us surrender our inner selves to God, asking that His grace fills our language with truth and love. May our words, like medicine, be beneficial to others. God will guide us and shape us into the likeness of Christ.
Prayer: Lord, we ask that You heal and sanctify our innermost being, filling us with courage and perfect grace that dispels fear, hardness, and doubt. Help us to be peacemakers through our words and actions, that they may bring healing to those around us. Amen.
(Note: This summary was created based on an AI draft.)
Devotional content is available on the Our Daily Bread website.