Read
3The Lord sees everything,
whether good or bad.
4Kind words are good medicine,
but deceitful words
can really hurt.
5Don't be a fool
and disobey your parents.
Be smart! Accept correction.
6Good people become wealthy,
but those who are evil
will lose what they have.
7Words of wisdom
make good sense;
the thoughts of a fool
make no sense at all.
Reflect
“Heidi, your shoulders are sagging. Can I help you?” Those words spoken by a colleague were like a healing balm to my soul. Immediately I sat up straight, shoulders back and ready to tackle the mountain of files on my desk. But, I have also had people stand in my doorway and hurl destructive and angry words at me. In the aftermath of those encounters I feel exhausted and dejected.
Our words have unfathomable power. You and I are created in the image of our Creator God who spoke the world into existence (Genesis 1:3-2:1). When you and I speak, our words have the power to produce life or death into people’s souls.
Our words are like seeds. When we plant seeds to grow lettuce, we don’t expect to get radishes. When we speak harsh words we cannot expect to receive grace. But when our tone is gentle, loving and nonjudgmental, we can expect acceptance and kindness (v 1).
But seeds need fertile and healthy ground to produce its greatest harvest. Our words also need a healthy and bountiful foundation. There is no greater source than God’s abundant love and wisdom to help our heart to grow more loving and kind. The more we get to know God, the more fruitful our words will be.
It’s a great responsibility to know that we hold to that kind of power. We can use our words to plant encouragement and hope; or as a tool for destruction and folly. The choice is always ours.
Respond
God forgive me for those times when I have hurt people with my words. I truly want to speak only words of love and encouragement. Help my words to sow beautiful seeds that will help people to flourish. Thank you. Amen.
Heidi McLaughlin
For over two decades Heidi has helped people find fulfillment in life through embracing God’s truth. She does this through writing and teaching the Bible, mentoring and speaking at Conferences and Retreats all across North America. Heidi has been twice widowed and has a family of 5 children and 12 grandchildren. When she is not writing or speaking she loves to golf, laugh or share a cup of coffee with her family and friends. Publications: Sand To Pearls: Making Bold Choices to Enrich your Life; Beauty Unleashed: Transforming a Woman’s Soul; Restless for More: Finding Fulfillment in Unexpected Places; Looking Back and Enjoying The View; Your Home, An Entry Into a Woman’s Heart Anthologies: Second Cup of Hot Apple Cider; A Taste of Hot Apple Cider, Apple Cider and Cinnamon, Chicken Soup for the Soul: "O Canada"; Sunshine Kisses for Grandmas, , The Joy of Less
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