Today’s Reading, Proverbs 10-12
Focal Scripture: Proverbs 10:11-12 “The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence. Hatred stirs up conflicts, but love covers all offenses.”
The words we speak have a lot of power. They can bring words of life or words of death. We know this to be true because we have all witnessed how words can build up or they can tear down. Where do words come from? They come from our heart.
In chapter ten the proverbs begin. They are short sayings that give much truth. They are not promised but a guide that leads us to a deeper faith that is practical. Solomon almost always gives both sides of a given situation. That is where we find the topic of how others are spoken to today.
I think people underestimate how their words have power. How we treat others with our speech tells more about us than what we do. I have witnessed people treat others well and bring life with their words. I have also witnessed others destroy and tear down with their words.
The Bible says out of the overflow of our heart the mouth speaks. So if our speech is negative, condescending, and angry. That means our heart is that way. If our speech is gracious, patient and encouraging, that means our heart exudes those attributes.
The question we must ask as believers is what does my heart reveal about me? Does it reveal a heart transformed by Christ? Or does it reveal a heart that has learned to pass the eye test.
I challenge all to examine your speech. Examine the speech of others and let it reveal to you if they bring life or death. It matters more than you know.
Tomorrow I plan on reading Proverbs 13-15
