Careless Words Are Harmful

A bus driver and a minister were standing in line to get into heaven. The bus driver approached the gate and St. Peter said, “Welcome, I understand you were a bus driver. Since I’m in charge of housing, I believe I have found the perfect place for you. See that mansion over … More

Words

Who is it that hasn’t spoken something thoughtlessly and later found out that his careless words were harmful?  Reckless words which may have not been intended to hurt can be very hurtful and piercing like a sword (vv. 17-18). But words of kindness spoken by a wise person can do just the opposite as they heal instead of hurt. Truth is always timely (v. 19). Deceit characterizes the wicked but joy comes to people who work for the peace of others (v. 20). While the righteous experience joy and protection the wicked experience trouble. A fool blurts out his foolishness while a prudent man is not anxious to demonstrate his knowledge (v. 21).

The Lord hates lying because it so directly opposes His standard of truth (v. 22). At the same time truthfulness is commended because it promotes justice.

The righteous person is careful whom he chooses as a friend while the wicked are not concerned about who becomes their friend. A diligent person is one who is in charge of whatever his situation may be while laziness may lead a person into slavery. A lazy person does not value what he owns.

Application

I need to ask the different members of my family how well they respond to insults. Do they wear their feelings on their sleeve so to speak? Perhaps, I could share from my experience how someone has responded in a wrong way and how they should have responded in the light of this passage.

Proverbs 12:17-22 (English Standard Version)


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