Wise Or Foolish Words?

Wise words come from the lips of people with understanding,but fools will be punished with a rod.Wise people treasure knowledge,but the babbling of a fool invites trouble.

Proverbs 10:13-14

Wise words or foolish babbling. It’s been said that even a fool can appear wise, until he opens his mouth.

So, ladies, let’s really think about it. What are you known for, by the people who are around you and those who know you best? When the heat gets turned up in any situation, are you likely to add fuel to the fire, or are you the voice of reason and peace, of kindness and grace?

When you’re criticized, do you use your words to cut back? If you have the perfect chance to pass along that ugly story about someone, do you? Truthfully, what are you known for?

James 3:9-10 has something to say about this: “With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers [and sisters], this should not be” (NIV).

So—here’s a little poem by William Norris:

If your lips would keep from slips,

Five things observe with care:

To whom you speak; of whom you speak,

And how, and when, and where.

As my grandma Gladys used to say, “If you can’t say nothing nice—don’t say nothing at all.”

Make It Personal . . . Live It Out!

On the flip side of the coin, Proverbs 25:11 says, “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver” (NKJV). You can purpose in your heart to find one opportunity every day to use your words to encourage or inspire. When your husband comes home tonight, tell him one thing you appreciate about him. Catch your kids being good and praise them. Write a note to your pastor or Bible study leader to tell them how their teaching has blessed you. Tell the clerks at the bank you appreciate their help. Your words of kindness might be the only ones they will hear all day.

One Year Bible Reading

Leviticus 15:1–16:28; Mark 7:1-23; Psalm 40:11-17; Proverbs 10:13-14