Not So Clever

To fear the Lord is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech. (Pro 8:13)

What is it that I love so much about the sharp retort or the smart putdown? When I say these things that hurt others why do I feel good? This verse gives a hint – it is pride. My sinful nature thinks that the way to lift myself up is to put others down. And it works for a moment. I feel a momentary thrill from the clever putdown, but it is always followed by the icky feeling you get when you know you’ve done wrong. One of the most important things we need to do to live a righteous life is to bridle the tongue. (James 3:3) Lord, forgive me for hurting others with my tongue. Let my speech always be full of grace, seasoned with the salt of your truth. (Col 4:6) May my words not be barbs but blessings. Amen.

Blogger's Proverb

A fool finds no pleasure in understanding, but delights in airing his own opinions. (Pro 18:2)

This should probably be known as the Blogger’s Proverb. It leaps out at me because I delight in airing my own opinions. Hopefully, it cannot also be said of me that I “find no pleasure in understanding.” But the cautionary note is well-applied to all of us, because the delight in our own opinions is a symptom of pride. The blogger must beware more than most. Yet the proper corrective action is not necessarily to stay silent, but to speak in all humility. Every word motivated by pride must be left unsaid. Silence may often be the wisest course, but there is a time for humble speech. There is never a time for prideful speech. Lord, help me to share my thoughts for the right reasons and in the right way. Let me not speak except to be a blessing to others. Amen.

That's Not Funny

Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. (Pro 12:18)

I am too fond of sarcastic humor. My words are full of cutting remarks meant for a laugh. Of course, I am “just saying it to be funny,” but there is often a grain of truth in it which is able to wound my target. Sometimes my remarks are very clever and funny, and sometimes they are just artless insults. Most of the time everyone laughs, but that doesn’t mean it’s ok. Lord, forgive me for this peculiar form of pride and selfishness. I want my speech to always be wholesome and wise. Help me to control my tongue and be a blessing to those around me.

A Father Who Listens

When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise. (Pro 10:19)

I think there are several ways in which this is true, but one simple truth is the need to listen. This is the key to many relationships, but as a father I realize this is one principle I need to apply with my sons. I listen to them for a moment, diagnose what I see as their error, and then proceed to download a long set of instructions, information and opinions. I know I need to listen more and not be so quick to jump all over them to correct their “mistakes”. Lord, help me to hold my tongue!

Reckless Words

Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. (Pr 12:18)

Lord, forgive me for the hurtful words I sometimes say to others when I am upset or stressed. Forgive me for hurting those closest to me. Lord, I thank you for my friends and family. Help me to be a blessing and an encouragement to them.