Daily Scripture Reading and Meditation–Proverbs 12:18

Welcome to today’s Daily Scripture Reading and Meditation covering Proverbs 12:18 where we are challenged to consider our words carefully and bring healing to others instead of hurt.

There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

Word-damage can happen so quickly at any time; it’s happening right now, probably not far away.  Word bandages, on the other hand, meet the ears gently at just the right moment, but probably happen less frequently.  Both kinds can carry great weight, but while one induces profuse bleeding, the other puts needed pressure on the wound to save the life of the hurting.

Now the difficult thing about knowing just how to apply words is that temper and timing are both of great importance.  For the one who speaks rashly and the one who is wise may end up saying almost the exact same thing to the listener.  But they won’t say it at the same time, with the same attitude, or with the same motivation even though again, the words used by each one may be sharp or direct in nature.  For instance, put a knife into the hand of an angry drunk and he will clumsily and forcefully apply it to anyone who stands in his way.  But put a knife in the hand of an experienced surgeon and he will use it to purposefully slice in just the right area to remedy a problem at hand.

How then do we go about rightly applying words, using them like a surgeon instead of like an abuser?  In the book of James we’re told that no human being can tame the tongue (3:8).  Sounds hopeless, doesn’t it.  But if the tongue of the wise brings healing, there must be a way in which we can speak good and helpful words to others.  James actually goes on to write about the subject of wisdom, a subject that seems to be key here.  There is a form of wisdom, he tells us, that is earthly, unspiritual, and demonic that would produce rash, sword-thrust kinds of words.  But the other type, the true wisdom from God, is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial, and sincere (V. 17).  Notice the attitudes that characterize this kind of wisdom.  The associations are pleasant, productive, and are aimed at both the speaker and receiver looking more like Jesus.

What kind of words will you and I give to people today?  Will we seek wisdom from the Lord who heals the broken-hearted that we might also act as a salve to the wounded soul?  Let us not miss out on bringing such a blessing, in Jesus’ name.

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