One minute read.
Daily Reading: Joshua 7:16-9:2, Luke 16:1-18, Psalm 82:1-8, Proverbs 13:2-3
Daily Verse: “Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life; he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.” Prov. 13:3
Use life-giving words.
Self-restraint with words gives life to others, but people who say everything they think causes harm. Speaking without thinking ruined relationships and caused problems that broke my heart. Learning to guard my lips helps me develop healthier, long-lasting relationships that flourish.
Words have the power to help or harm. What you say does matter, whether you think it does or not. Often, we don’t know the effect we have on people.
“Your words inspired me to pursue my dreams,” a friend told me decades ago. Working as Flight Attendants at the time, she wanted to change jobs. I don’t remember what “words,” I said to her that caused her to turn in her notice. But I know she left flying and followed her heart, married the love of her life, and found contentment.
Often, we don’t remember what we say. Three questions will help you develop restraint in your speech: Is it true? Is it kind? Is it necessary? If “No” answers any of the questions, don’t utter the words in your mind. Keep them to yourself, guarding your lips and bringing life to others.
Lord, forgive us for speaking without thinking and causing harm to others. Please give us self-restraint to guard our lips, only saying true, kind, and necessary words to others. Let us encourage and uplift people with the language we use. IJNIP. Amen
