"The Power of Words" April 20 Readings: Proverbs 25-31

 

Reading the Bible Chronologically in 2022

This year, instead of reading from Genesis to Revelation, we will read the Bible as the story flows, as it happened and was written. There are several plans out there and I have worked to combine them into a plan that lets the Bible tell its own story "as it happened." Remember, the Bible is inspired, but not in the order the books appear in our Bibles. The Old Testament is approximately 3/4 of the Bible, but I have divided it so that we will spend half the year in the OT, and half the year in the NT. 

Bible Readings: Proverbs 25-31   

Background:   

Today we complete the book of Proverbs, reading various collections of wisdom from different authors.

Daily Devotional:  The Power of Words

No, that is not a sidewalk. It is a trail worn in the rock of the Tsankawi Ruins near Santa Fe, New Mexico. Over the centuries the feet of the people living on that hill cut deep paths into the solid rock. Amazing.

Had Solomon known about the Tsankawi, he might have worded Proverbs 25:15 a little differently. Proverbs are inspired observations about life that reveal God's truth. Some are simple statements of wisdom and others are vivid illustrations, like the one we focus on today.

A ruler can be persuaded through patience,
and a gentle tongue can break a bone.

What on earth can that second line mean? There is no tongue that is strong enough or hard enough to shatter a bone. It's impossible. But the figure of speech tells a story. Words have a powerful effect. One who patiently speaks what is right and good over time can build great things. One who speaks with malice, who tears down and insults can destroy. Like the paths of the Tsankawi worn in the rock over time, words have their effects - both good and evil.

When someone is not listening to the gospel you proclaim or the advice you are giving, don't freak out and lose your cool. It isn't necessary. When you are speaking the truth of God you can wait patiently for the Spirit to use you and bring about the desired effect. Like the grooves in the rock, it may take time, but God will use your words if they are from his word to accomplish great things.

Father, may the words of my mouth and meditations of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord. And may they, over time, wear grooves of truth in this world. 

Consider God's Word:

Your words have powerful effects. Are they cutting channels for the flow of the gospel, of the truth of God? Or are they breaking bones?