Slay The Monster - The One Year Wisdom for Women Devotional

Some people make cutting remarks,but the words of the wise bring healing.

Proverbs 12:18

Any way you slice it, words can be weapons. Let’s focus on the phrase cutting remarks. This can refer to words that cut others down. When do we do that? What is the motive? Why would we ever want to do that? Let me say one word: jealousy. Jealousy can seem to Christians an acceptable sin, but you know what, that’s not true. It’s not acceptable to God or anyone. Shakespeare called it the “green-eyed monster.”

It is a monster, and when you engage that monster, never think that the most damage comes to others. This monster cuts you down. And so I would like to ask you to say this with me: “This monster has to die.” If honestly you know you have slandered or criticized harshly, would you ask yourself the question, Was it because I was jealous? If so, that monster has to die, because if it doesn’t, it will use you and your words as weapons.

A second motive for “cutting words” is to wound, hurt for hurt. This is another monster, called revenge. Confucius said, “Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves.”

So, my sisters, what is it going to be for us? It’s been said that the greatest revenge is forgiveness—true, deep, sweet, wholehearted forgiveness. This slays the monsters and blesses the Lord. Then turn that forgiveness into words, because “the words of the wise bring healing.”

Make It Personal . . . Live It Out!

We can’t change the way others live and talk. But we can take the words of Ephesians 4:29-32 to heart and let them be a filter and “high bar” standard for all that we say and why we say it. “Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of malicious behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”

One Year Bible Reading

Deuteronomy 28:1-68; Luke 11:14-36; Psalm 77:1-20; Proverbs 12:18