Joy For Those
Who Promote Peace
A
truthful witness gives honest testimony, but a false witness tells lies.
Reckless
words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
Truthful
lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.
There
is deceit in the hearts of those who plot evil, but joy for those who promote
peace.
No
harm befalls the righteous, but the wicked have their fill of trouble.
The
LORD detests lying lips, but he delights in men who are truthful.
Proverbs 12:17-22
Unhealthy
attitudes of anger, irritation, frustration, and impatience – even
disappointment, stress, guilt, and insecurity – all contribute to our damaging
speech. It is no wonder that the infamous list of seven things that are an
abomination to the Lord includes anyone who “sows discord among brethren.”
How
do we stay off that list? For starters, we need to watch what we say. Gossip
and slander are out, and words that hurt instead of heal are not welcome.
Boasting, lying, and all the rest of the ways we use words to hurt and divide
need to be gone as well. In their place, words that extend love and the healing
power of forgiveness, mercy, and truth should rule our words and relationships.
After all, where would we be if Jesus had not spoken words of forgiving love
and grace to us.
Our words have the power to build up or tear down.
Our Daily Bread –