“Words of wisdom are like a fresh, flowing brook-like deep waters that spring forth from within, bubbling up inside the one with understanding. Listen before you speak, for to speak before you’ve heard the facts will bring humiliation. Sharing words of wisdom is satisfying to your inner being. It encourages you to know that you’ve changed someone else’s life. Your words are so powerful that they will kill or give life, and the talkative person will reap the consequences.” Proverbs 18:4,13,20-21 TPT
Although it should not be, at times, thinking before we speak can prove to be a challenge. Learning to listen, with patience and understanding can prevent premature humiliation. Our words, regardless of how spoken, have repercussions, for both the speaker, and those listening. As we share words of wisdom, those of our Lord, His overwhelming peace empowers us to seek more of Him.
In this passage, we are reminded of the importance of being aware of the words we speak. He compares our words of wisdom to a flowing brook. Imagine a life-giving babbling brook, or a fountain of wisdom filled with His Words spoken where there has been hurt or pain, or the ability to turn tears of sorrow into laughter! As His children, we are blessed to be able, through the Holy Spirit, to seek the words needed in the circumstances before us, all for the asking.
Heavenly Father, help us to remember to look to your Word for guidance as we speak, so that our words will bring forth your peace, and be ever so thankful.
In Christ Love
Margaret
Amen, sister in Christ!