June 4, 2020

The book of Proverbs is a collection of short sayings in the Old Testament meant to instill wisdom in God’s people. As we read, it is important to remember that a proverb is a statement which is generally true in principle, not a universally true promise. Let’s dig into the Word together and allow the Lord to shape our hearts, our minds, and our lives in his wisdom over the next month!

A major theme in chapter 18 of the book of Proverbs is the way in which we use our words. The tongue is small but powerful; it is able to bring great shame and ruin (v.6-7, 13) or great honor and good (v.20). In verse 21 the author takes it a step further, stating “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.”

We see that the way in which we use our words are incredibly important: the words we choose can change the course of our entire lives in a moment (see James 3:2-6)! Jesus said that we will be judged according to “every careless word [we] speak” (Matthew 12:36), and that the words we say reveal the condition of our hearts (Luke 6:45). 

Our words can impart life, or they can inflict harm. They can be full of grace or full of destruction. As we seek to live in God’s wisdom in following after Jesus, we must be prudent in the way we use our words! Verbal communication is a gift from God; let’s use it to speak grace and truth!

Proverbs 18

18 Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire;
    he breaks out against all sound judgment.
2 A fool takes no pleasure in understanding,
    but only in expressing his opinion.
3 When wickedness comes, contempt comes also,
    and with dishonor comes disgrace.
4 The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters;
    the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.
5 It is not good to be partial to the wicked
    or to deprive the righteous of justice.
6 A fool’s lips walk into a fight,
    and his mouth invites a beating.
7 A fool’s mouth is his ruin,
    and his lips are a snare to his soul.
8 The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels;
    they go down into the inner parts of the body.
9 Whoever is slack in his work
    is a brother to him who destroys.
10 The name of the Lord is a strong tower;
    the righteous man runs into it and is safe.
11 A rich man’s wealth is his strong city,
    and like a high wall in his imagination.
12 Before destruction a man’s heart is haughty,
    but humility comes before honor.
13 If one gives an answer before he hears,
    it is his folly and shame.
14 A man’s spirit will endure sickness,
    but a crushed spirit who can bear?
15 An intelligent heart acquires knowledge,
    and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.
16 A man’s gift makes room for him
    and brings him before the great.
17 The one who states his case first seems right,
    until the other comes and examines him.
18 The lot puts an end to quarrels
    and decides between powerful contenders.
19 A brother offended is more unyielding than a strong city,
    and quarreling is like the bars of a castle.
20 From the fruit of a man’s mouth his stomach is satisfied;
    he is satisfied by the yield of his lips.
21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue,
    and those who love it will eat its fruits.
22 He who finds a wife finds a good thing
    and obtains favor from the Lord.
23 The poor use entreaties,
    but the rich answer roughly.
24 A man of many companions may come to ruin,
    but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

Family Discussion Question:

  • Why is it that words can be so influential, for good or bad? What are some ways we can make sure we are using our words in ways that honor the LORD?

28 thoughts on “Daily Devotional-June 4”

  1. Father forgive me when my mouth/words get ahead of my heart. Help me be slow to speak. Help me speak life into my husband, my children, my family, friends and even people you put in my path. I want to be more like you Jesus. Give me the discernment to know when to speak and when to be strong in silence. Help me overcome my sensitive heart when I feel offended by others as well. Thank you Father for your mercy and grace.

    2. We need to think before answering. We need to watch what we say. Words do more harm than good. I know I have done that. Lord please help me to not to get mad or upset and to be careful in what I say. Words are very powerful when not thought out. Amen

  2. Gracias mi padre amado por tu grandeza gracias porque tú nos dices en tú palabra que del corazón habla la boca , tenemos que tener un corazón sano para agradecer y bendecir a los demás para agradarte no para maldecir porque tú nos dices que la lengua es un miembro que debemos saber usar ayúdanos padre a qué de mi boca solo salgan palabras que agrade a te honre para bendecir a otros en nombre y por amor de tu hijo amado amén y amén ?

  3. father help me guard what come out my mouth make them a blessing to you and you only amen

  4. Dear Heavenly Father,
    We know the tongue can be a strong instrument. Whether we choose to use it wisely to calm fears, encourage the broken hearted or to tear down and break the spirit of an individual, is our choice. Please help me each day to slow down and think before I speak so that every word that comes out of my mouth will be uplifting and positive. I want to glorify You in all I do and say. In Jesus’ name. Amen

  5. I have tried to practice these verses especially in the morning trying set my mind early:

    Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to Thee O Lord my rock and redeemer. Psalm 19:14

    Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer any man. Colossians 4:6

  6. Heavenly Father I run to You my strong tower. In Your Name we will defeat the giants in this world. In Your Name control my tongue so I won’t speak death but life. You are I Am. I bow before You and say Holy Holy Holy. There is non like You. In Your Name every knee will bow and ever tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. Come Lord Jesus come.
    Amen

    1. Amen….At the name of Jesus, every knee shall bow here on earth and in the heavens. Thank you Lord for the reminder that your name is a strong tower which we need to run to for safety. As the hymn states ‘there is power in the blood’.

  8. On March 28, 1979, the friend who sticks closer than a brother changed my forever: Jesus!!!

  10. “Wise words are like deep waters; wisdom flows from the wise like a bubbling brook.” Proverbs 18:4 (NLT)

    Lord, I meditate on Your Word this morning. I pray You will fill my thoughts with Your truths and direct my actions and words with Your wisdom today.

    In Jesus’s name. Amen

  11. Thank You Father for the good thing I have found – my wife!

    Amen

  12. Father, no amount of words can heal our land. Wickedness and evil are abundant everywhere. Have mercy on us LORD and send a Holy Ghost revival. Today, my tongue can be used for good or evil. Help me to taste my words before I speak. Help me to only use words to build up, to teach about your son, to lead others to you. Fill me anew and afresh with your Holy Spirit. I surrender my all. Now, let’s be going to find one more for your son, Jesus. Amen.

  13. Lord I confess that as a teacher of many students on the patterns of our words, I’m ever so humbled and grateful for the wisdom your Word sheds on the power of words. Yes, verbal communication is a gift from you as is our nonverbals. Let us as a body of Christ use this power to speak your truth against the enemy and untruths. Let our words give you honor and bring the lost closer to an understanding of the relationship you offer – the salvation you bring – and the safety you give us.

    Thank you for the holy spirit which abides In me that has the power to transform my words to please you. I pray that you take my words today and transform them so that my audience will hear what you want them to hear – what you want them to know – to give you honor!

  14. Father, I pray for your spirit of discernment. Father, I run and cling to you, help me to hear you, help me to hear, so that I will understand when you want me to speak, what you want me to speak and how you want me to speak. Your word is life, You have commanded us to speak the truth in love. Father teach me your truth, help me to listen and to hear you. Like the prophets of old, I pray for your power and your wisdom to always guide the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart. Father I desire to make a difference in our world wherever you send me. Use me to the glory of your holy name. Forgive my weakness of heart, Father, when I make You small, thereby loosing sight of what You are doing in us, for us, and wanting to do through us. In Jesus mighty name I pray????. Amen!

  15. Lord, please help me to think before I speak. Once you say something in anger, you can’t take it back. Help me to choose my words wisely and with love. I pray father for the situation going on with the death of George Floyd. So many people reacting in anger which leads them to vandalism. Father please speak to their hearts that they may think about the consequences that come with their actions. Thank you for a brand new day and the blessings you send with it. This I ask in you son’s name Jesus.

  17. Lord, help me have BIG eyes and BIG ears, to be attentive, listen to others, be understanding and empathetic. Keep me from being angry, quick tempered, impulsive, reactive. Help me respond thoughfully to others in a way that blesses, encourages, and challenges them, glorifying you, in Jesus name.

  19. Lord, Help my words to be uplifting & helpful to those I come in contact with. Thank you for all my blessings. Please protect my family & me & help us make good decisions. In Jesus’s Name, Amen.

Comments are closed.