Dear Friends,

READ PROVERBS 1:1 THROUGH 4:27

When Estelle heard negative talk about her new supervisor, she felt disappointed. However, she didn’t join the group of disgruntled people who left the company or discussed the matter quietly in the restrooms. Instead, she went to the supervisor to find out the truth. She learned the story she had heard was skewed in an unkind direction that made the new boss look bad. Later the supervisor remembered her fair-mindedness and made plans to recommend her for a leadership position.

Keep your mouth free of perversity; keep corrupt talk far from your lips (Proverbs 4:24).

Christians are commanded repeatedly in Scripture to keep tight reigns on their tongues. A deceitful tongue is like a sharpened razor (Psalm 52:2), and “cruel words are like deadly arrows” (Psalm 64:3). “The tongue of the wise brings healing” (Proverbs 12:18), and with the tongue believers can sing of God’s righteousness (Psalm 51:14).

God’s Word gives clear directions about both the dangers and the blessings that can come from people’s words. With such a critical choice before them, Christians need to choose their words wisely.

Prayer Suggestion: Lord, help my words bless You and encourage others.