The Power of One Word

A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver. (Proverbs 25:11)

Read Proverbs 22 today!

One word can…

1.  Heal or Hurt

“The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.”  ~Proverbs 15:4

2.  Promote Instruction or Advance Destruction

“The wise in heart are called discerning, and pleasant words promote instruction.”  ~Proverbs 16:21

3.  Give Knowledge or Gush Folly

“The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.”  ~Proverbs 15:2

4.  Nourish or Discourage

“The lips of the righteous nourish many, but fools die for lack of judgment.”  ~Proverbs 10:21

5.  Protect or Invite Pain

“A fool’s talk brings a rod to his back, but the lips of the wise protect them.”  ~Proverbs 14:3

6.  Rescue or Ensnare

“The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood, but the speech of the upright rescues them.”  ~Proverbs 12:6

7.  Speak Truth or Bear False Witness

“Kings take pleasure in honest lips; they value a man who speaks the truth.”  ~Proverbs 16:13

8. Promote Life or Produce Death

“The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”  ~Proverbs 18:21

One word can make you a fool or a wise man.  One word can give you a healthy legacy or destroy your character.  One word can promote life in those around you or produce death.  What will your one word give today?  Will you be a life giver with your words?  Will your words encourage or discourage someone today?

Let’s invite God to place a filter over our mouths.  May we have every word go through the filter of God’s grace.  Let’s be conscious of every word we speak today and do our best to only speak words that produce life.  If for some reason, you are having difficulty with this…  Just remain silent!  Your silence can be a gift to those around you.

“Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue.” ~Proverbs 17:28

Remember this,

“He who loves a pure heart and whose speech is gracious will have the king for his friend.” ~Proverbs 22:11

Because…

“Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone.” ~Proverbs 25:15

Dear Father God, Please place a filter over my mouth.  Please catch the words that are not pleasing to You and help me have the strength to be silent when my words do not promote life.  Lord, I pray that you will examine my heart today for I know that it is out of the overflow of my heart, that my mouth speaks (Luke 6:45).  Please fill me up with every good thing from Your Word and make me pleasing in Your sight.

May I remember the power of one word and choose each word wisely today!