Avoid Hurtful Words
Monday, February 13, 2023Key Verse
“A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.” Proverbs 15:4
— Proverbs 15:1-7
Message
Words are the most powerful force available to humanity. We can choose to use this
force constructively with words of encouragement, or destructively with hurtful words. Somebody said, “Words have energy and power with the ability to help, to heal, to hinder, to hurt, to harm, to humiliate, and to humble.” One of the strongest signs of a good moral life is the right speech. One of the strongest pieces of evidence of a righteous life is healthy and comforting speech. Unhealthy and hurtful words come from a person who has not benefited from the grace of God that brings salvation through Christ. Before speaking, take a few moments to think about what you will say and how you will say it; while being conscious of the impact it will have on the listener(s). Be kind in your speech and speak words that bring joy, comfort, inspiration, and encouragement to all. Kind and sweet words are always music to the ears of the listeners and healthy to their souls.
When you are preaching the gospel to sinners, don’t judge or condemn them but present the truth with kindness, gentleness, and simplicity. Hurtful words do not have any benefits, but gracious words do.
Further Reading
Proverbs 12:16-18
Prayer for today
Lord, help me to always speak gracious words to comfort and encourage people around me
About Author - Pastor W.F. Kumuyi
Listed among “500 most powerful people on the planet” by the Foreign Policy magazine in 2013, Pastor (Dr.) William F. Kumuyi is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry (DCLM) headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria. DCLM started in 1973 as a 15-member Bible study group right in Kumuyi’s apartment at University of Lagos where he was a lecturer. His revolutionary Bible teaching on personal holiness and commitment to evangelism soon gained so much traction and resulted in a widespread revival.
