words & wounds

There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts,

but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

Proverbs 12:18

Relationships are built with words and actions, and it is often words that can ruin what was built. Speaking rashly, with whatever natural instant motivation driving what is said, is a sure-fire way to leave a path of wounded people in the wake of our conversations. Our sinful flesh will wound with words. Defensiveness, broken thinking and emotions, selfishness, and sinful reactions will all turn our rash words into sword thrusts. We will go beyond mere self-defense and swing the sword with a kill shot when given the chance. We jab at hearts with our words.

Better words however are found in the wisdom of God’s Word. The gospel can and must transform our tongues. We can be agents of change and healing with our words when we let God’s truth sanctify and renew our minds, giving us healing words to say. But this does not come in a rash way with impulsive gusts of words. It takes deliberate submission to the Lordship of Christ, the leading of the Holy Spirit, and the commitment to knowing the Word of God to do so. We have to repent of our impulsiveness and commit to submission to God. But we can speak words of healing if we will do so.

Lord,

I begin this morning looking at Your Word, so that you can fill my mind with Your truth. And as I think on it right now, would You use that truth to prune away selfish, sinful motivations from my speech and actions today? I want to speak Your healing words. I want Your redeeming work to give me a wise heart and tongue as I speak today.

Amen