Mom Toddler Motherhood Scripture memorization

Weigh Your Answers

Read Proverbs 18 today!

I want to take time this week to explore the power of the tongue!  Solomon mentions the power of our words about 150 times in the Proverbs.  The wisest man who ever lived knew the power of words.  He gave us instructions on how to promote life and avoid evil with our tongues.  Let’s take a look a few words of wisdom and apply them to our week!

What does it look like when a wise man or woman speaks?  And how can we become that wise person with our words?

1.  A wise man or woman gives a reason for the hope within them when they talk to others.

“But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord.  Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.  But do this with gentleness and respect.”  (1 Peter 3:15)

Just remember that the love of God and His Word must be present in your heart, for it to come out through your mouth.  How much time are you spending with the Lord?  Are you filling yourself up with His goodness, so that it overflows from your lips when you talk to others?

2.  A wise man or woman knows when to speak and when to be silent.

“A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control.”  (Proverbs 29:11)

Only a fool speaks without listening first.  A wise man keeps control of his tongue and knows when a word is timely.  He or She knows when to speak and what to speak at the proper time!

3.  A wise man or woman never talks too much.

“But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken.”  (Matthew 12:36)

Yikes!  There will be a day when we have to stand before God.  Will we be proud of the words we have spoken or ashamed?  May we learn to be people who keep account of every word.  May we weigh our words before we speak them (Proverbs 15:28).  May we learn to hold back words that do not edify others and only speak what gives God glory!

4.  A wise man or woman speaks only the truth.

“The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in men who are truthful.” (Proverbs 12:22)

There is never a good excuse to lie, not even a white lie.  When we embellish on the truth, we hurt others and ourselves.  This does not mean that you have a free ticket to go around hurting others with truthful words.  Every word you speak should be seasoned with love.  Please be responsible for the timing of your words and sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s leading.

5.  A wise man or woman uses his or her words to build up others, not tear them down!

“Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”  (Proverbs 16:24)

Your words should bring healing to others, not pain!  Honey was the sweetest thing someone could find in the Old Testament days.  Are your words sweet?  Do your words uplift God and the work of His Son Jesus Christ?  Take a look at your words this week and find out where you can improve.

As for me, I’m going to be taking the time to learn how to be an active listener.  I want to be someone who truly hears what others are saying.  May I only speak words that uplift and encourage others in Christ!

Dear Father God, Please teach me how to weigh out my answers!  May I slow down and listen more often.  May I speak less often and may each word I speak be sweeter than honey.  May my words come out of an overflow of the joy and peace I find in your Word.  May my heart be filled with your goodness, so that only good things will proceed from my mouth.

Weighing My Answers,

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