Your Words Are Powerful

Proverbs 16:28-17:4

28 A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends. 29 A violent person entices their neighbor and leads them down a path that is not good. 30 Whoever winks with their eye is plotting perversity; whoever purses their lips is bent on evil. 31 Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained in the way of righteousness. 32 Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city. 33 The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.

17 Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting, with strife. 2 A prudent servant will rule over a disgraceful son and will share the inheritance as one of the family. 3 The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but the Lord tests the heart. 4 A wicked person listens to deceitful lips; a liar pays attention to a destructive tongue.

The words you speak can be either life-giving or destructive.

Words can cause a great deal of trouble. ‘The perverse stir up dissension and gossips separate close friends’ (16:28). Gossip has the power to break up friendships. It is vital to get control over your tongue: ‘Moderation is better than muscle, self-control better than political power’ (v.32, MSG).

Your words are powerful. Determine today to speak positive, encouraging words of life and blessing everywhere you go.