Words That Bless and Refresh

Proverbs 10:11, 20-21 The mouth of the righteous is a well of life, But violence covers the mouth of the wicked. The tongue of the righteous is choice silver; The heart of the wicked is worth little. The lips of the righteous feed many, But fools die for lack of wisdom.

The tongue is a volatile little member that possesses great power. It is described as a fire, a world of iniquity that defiles the whole body (James 3:6). It has the power to uplift, but can also cause damage that can take years to repair. Sadly, many of us have not yet learned how to tame this little beast. Far too often we allow our pride and emotions to be the drivers of the words we speak, and cause much pain, anger, and create emotional scars in others; all for the personal satisfaction of giving someone a piece of our mind, and not letting them "get away" with what they did or said. Today's verses remind us of the importance of using our tongue, our words, to be a blessing, and not a curse, in the lives of others. James 3:10 tells us, "Out of the same mouth proceed blessings and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so." Colossians 4:5-6 command, "Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one." We are commanded to be careful about how we live, and what we say while around the unsaved. It will certainly make the difference between whether they will take us seriously concerning our faith. Not only are we to speak words of life, by sharing the Gospel message, but we can also add flavor to their lives by not behaving like the world in the things we say and do. Finally, our words should be encouraging to the brethren, and not grieve the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 4:29-32 clearly tells us, "Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you." Our words should not be setting fires and causing destruction. Instead, as ambassadors of Jesus, our words should be words that bless and refresh.

Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Rom 7:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive His free gift of salvation today (Rom 10:13).