Day 5 – Words Attack: Careless words

“Careless words stab like a sword, but wise words bring healing.” Proverbs 12:18

If our words stab like a sword, do you aim to heal or to stab till you draw blood? We often say things we do not mean – especially when tempers flare or we retaliate from a stabbed heart. Some people pride themselves on the pungency of their speech. They delight in sharp answers, keen retorts, quick repartees and boast about it when they cut a verbal opponent in two. Some are gifted in expressions of complaint, reproach and criticism against everyone and everything. Sharp and bitter, careless words about God, man and country can leave the lips very quickly. These are all careless words stabbing like a sword to the ears that hear them.

Wise words keep society healthy. Someone who speaks from the abundance of his own spiritual health in God is like breathing a breath of fresh mountain air. Words filled with great vigour, truth and strengthening influences. Healing words like this come from a heart deeply rooted in the Word of God.

Whenever you are provoked or in anger, make sure that the words leaving your mouth are not careless words stabbing like a sword. Think how the next words leaving your lips can bring healing to the situation.

Prayer: Father, I know I’m very guilty when it comes to careless words. I always had to say the final say. But when I thought I was victorious with my words; I was only stabbing at the hearts of others and at Your heart. Please forgive me for the careless words that left my lips like a sword. Teach me to rather utter words of healing. Amen.