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. ~Proverbs
12:18-20
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called Children of God. ~Matthew 5:9
But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned. ~Matthew 12:36-37
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouth, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. ~Ephesians 4:29
Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. ~Colossians 4:5-6
Have you ever really thought about Jesus’ warning that “every word,” will be judged? Wow! Yesterday we talked about the fool who can be impulsive and then become angry when his will is blocked. Well, his anger is usually also accompanied by words that he will be held accountable for on that Day.
Solomon says that reckless words pierce like a sword. His father David described it this way In Psalm 59 when he describes men that King Saul had sent to kill him. “They return at evening, snarling like dogs, and prowl about the city. See what they spew from their mouths—they spew out swords from their lips, and they say, “who can hear us?” (Psalm 59:7)
God Can. Swords are created for the purpose of harming, but with our tongues we can harm or heal. When we choose healing, we are considered wise, and the Lord sees both. On that day, our words will be treated like our works. About our works Paul tells us: “If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, the work will be shown for what it is, because the day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work.” (1 Cor. 3:12-13) And Solomon says about words: “Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.”
Swords and careless words can do so much damage here on earth, but earth is where the damage stays. In heaven, those words are judged. The ones that speak truth, and build up, are seen as valuable to the Lord. But lies and destructive ones are crumpled up and tossed into the fire along with the works of wood, hay and straw. Pity the one who spends his or her life speaking worthless and destructive words. They may be remembered here, but eternity will erase them from our memories.
So, Paul is very helpful here by outlining the kinds of words that the Lord wants to hear. “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouth, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” God is always listening, so it will also benefit Him. “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” It is the peace makers who are considered the children of God.
Sword swallowing is a dangerous trick at the circus. Holding your tongue is a difficult trick every day. But since harsh words are like swords, swallowing those swords is a necessary grace to be practiced among us. It is those who have swallowed their swords and have chosen to speak with grace who have words of value that will be treasured in heaven.
Prayer: Lord, the only sword I wish to bear is the Sword of the Spirit, true and gracious words used to cut through lies and deception, not people. May my words today, build others up and bless them with truth, grace and love, in Jesus' name, amen.
Song: As you listen to this song, consider how much this should be true of the Church community as the environment in which we grow, and how our fellowship, our words, can make this true, if and when we speak grace, Only Grace
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called Children of God. ~Matthew 5:9
But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned. ~Matthew 12:36-37
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouth, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. ~Ephesians 4:29
Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. ~Colossians 4:5-6
Have you ever really thought about Jesus’ warning that “every word,” will be judged? Wow! Yesterday we talked about the fool who can be impulsive and then become angry when his will is blocked. Well, his anger is usually also accompanied by words that he will be held accountable for on that Day.
Solomon says that reckless words pierce like a sword. His father David described it this way In Psalm 59 when he describes men that King Saul had sent to kill him. “They return at evening, snarling like dogs, and prowl about the city. See what they spew from their mouths—they spew out swords from their lips, and they say, “who can hear us?” (Psalm 59:7)
God Can. Swords are created for the purpose of harming, but with our tongues we can harm or heal. When we choose healing, we are considered wise, and the Lord sees both. On that day, our words will be treated like our works. About our works Paul tells us: “If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, the work will be shown for what it is, because the day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work.” (1 Cor. 3:12-13) And Solomon says about words: “Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.”
Swords and careless words can do so much damage here on earth, but earth is where the damage stays. In heaven, those words are judged. The ones that speak truth, and build up, are seen as valuable to the Lord. But lies and destructive ones are crumpled up and tossed into the fire along with the works of wood, hay and straw. Pity the one who spends his or her life speaking worthless and destructive words. They may be remembered here, but eternity will erase them from our memories.
So, Paul is very helpful here by outlining the kinds of words that the Lord wants to hear. “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouth, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” God is always listening, so it will also benefit Him. “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” It is the peace makers who are considered the children of God.
Sword swallowing is a dangerous trick at the circus. Holding your tongue is a difficult trick every day. But since harsh words are like swords, swallowing those swords is a necessary grace to be practiced among us. It is those who have swallowed their swords and have chosen to speak with grace who have words of value that will be treasured in heaven.
Prayer: Lord, the only sword I wish to bear is the Sword of the Spirit, true and gracious words used to cut through lies and deception, not people. May my words today, build others up and bless them with truth, grace and love, in Jesus' name, amen.
Song: As you listen to this song, consider how much this should be true of the Church community as the environment in which we grow, and how our fellowship, our words, can make this true, if and when we speak grace, Only Grace
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