Kinder and Gentler Words

Scripture:
The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life,
    but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence ...
Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning,
    but a rod is for the back of one who has no sense ...
Whoever conceals hatred with lying lips
    and spreads slander is a fool.
Sin is not ended by multiplying words,
    but the prudent hold their tongues.

The tongue of the righteous is choice silver,
    but the heart of the wicked is of little value.

Proverbs 10:11,13,18-20

Observation: In the space of 10 proverbs, five are about the power and insight of the spoken word. For the good and the wise, their speech represents positive life and wisdom to others, and is absent of deceit, slander, and duplicity. The good speak positive words to others, and simultaneously do not speak lies about others or themselves. As a result, their tongue is "choice silver" - of great value to themselves and others.

For the wicked and foolish, however, their words are forever untrustworthy. They lie to conceal their intent, spread slander, and so loquaciously explain away their sins. They will talk and talk in order to deflect truth and explain their actions, instead of simply staying quiet and allowing a good life to speak for itself. In all this, their heart is revealed ... and it has little value.

Application: In many places of the Bible, it is shows that my words reveal my heart. My words are angry too often still ... less than they were, but there remains room for improvement. This is especially true in talking about others, and saying discouraging and judgmental things about them. These words reveal my lack of love for others, which is a condition of my heart that absolutely needs improvement.

I should speak kindly and softly toward others, and about others. In this way, I can improve my heart, for it will follow. I should be slow in anger and judgment, and this should especially be true with how I speak, holding my tongue when I think otherwise. I would do well to be prudent in my words about others, and to not speak about their shortcomings, or to attempt to justify my own.

Prayer: Lord, may my daily walk be filled with kinder and gentler words towards and about others. I am sinful, with a sin deep-rooted in pride and judgment. I know this is a failure of mine, and I struggle with it still. While I pray for continued softening of my heart so I can find more and more love toward others, may I at least have the wisdom to not speak in harsh and hurtful ways. May I instead bless others with my words. Amen.