Text:
Proverbs 15:1-2 (HCSB)
1 A gentle answer turns away anger, but a harsh word stirs up wrath.
2 The tongue of the wise makes knowledge attractive, but the mouth of fools blurts out foolishness.
Observation:
Do you realize the power of words? The old saying is not true; "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me".
The words that we speak can, and do cause a great deal of pain in the lives of others. Also, the words that we say to ourselves can inflict harm to our lives. The things we say to others, and to ourselves matter.
There is a story in the life of King Rehoboam, who succeeded his father, Solomon, as King of Israel.
2 Chronicles 10:6-7 (HCSB)
6 Then King Rehoboam consulted with the elders who had served his father Solomon when he was alive, asking, "How do you advise me to respond to these people?"
7 They replied, "If you will be kind to these people and please them by speaking kind words to them, they will be your servants forever."
He got wise counsel from his elders, but King Rehoboam did not follow it. Instead, he followed the advice of his younger peers.
2 Chronicles 10:13 (NLT)
13 But Rehoboam spoke harshly to them, for he rejected the advice of the older counselors.
2 Chronicles 10:16-17 (NLT)
16 When all Israel realized that the king had refused to listen to them, they responded, "Down with the dynasty of David! We have no interest in the son of Jesse. Back to your homes, O Israel! Look out for your own house, O David!" So all the people of Israel returned home.
17 But Rehoboam continued to rule over the Israelites who lived in the towns of Judah.
2 Chronicles 10:19 (NLT)
19 And to this day the northern tribes of Israel have refused to be ruled by a descendant of David.
Prayer:
Father God, we need godly wisdom, and the encouragement of the word of God, and the power of the Holy Spirit to help us guard our tongue, and to speak words that build up others, rather than dividing, and tearing down others.
Psalm 119:171-173 (ESV)
171 My lips will pour forth praise, for you teach me your statutes.
172 My tongue will sing of your word, for all your commandments are right.
173 Let your hand be ready to help me, for I have chosen your precepts.
Father, may the prayer of King David be our prayer. In the mighty name of Jesus we pray, Amen.
Ephesians 6:10-11 (ESV)
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.
11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.
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