Pleasant Words Promote Instruction

The wise in heart are called discerning,and pleasant words promote instruction. . . .A wise man’s [or woman’s] heart guides his mouth,and his lips promote instruction.

Proverbs 16:21, 23 (NIV)

Often we think of wisdom springing from one’s head. Being wise is being smart. But wisdom, true wisdom, dwells in the heart. Listen to the beautiful description of godly wisdom in James 3:17, “But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere” (NIV).

Our proverb today says, “A wise woman guides her mouth,” and it is easy to learn from her. So, moms, one of your primary roles with your children is teaching. We have formal moments of teaching when we help with homework or teach them to make their beds. But be aware, there are a thousand informal teachable moments. They are learning from you all of the time, not just from what you say but how you say it. They learn from what you do and how you do it. They learn how to respond to the disappointments of life from you. What do you do when they drop the ketchup bottle, or the dog chews a shoe, or the dishwasher breaks? Little daily crises. Are we harsh? Do we vent? Do we blame?

If you realize that your words are sending the wrong message, what can you do? You don’t need to wash out your mouth. You need to go to the Cross and cleanse your heart.

Make It Personal . . . Live It Out!

If you grew up in a family where scoldings and punishment were more prevalent than kindness and patience, you know in your heart that did not work. Yet we often fall into the habits we learned at home. It’s time to break the mold and do things God’s way. Learn to be a cheerleader. If others feel you are instructing them for their benefit and that you believe in them, learning is fun. Will you use your words to lift others up? Find something to praise. Lighten up. Give others a break. Let God’s wisdom remind you that “pleasant words promote instruction.”

One Year Bible Reading

2 Samuel 23:24–24:25; Acts 3:1-26; Psalm 123:1-4; Proverbs 16:21-23