Proverbs 12:18: “There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, / But the tongue of the wise promotes health.”

June 16th, 2024 by Pastor Ed in devotional

The psalmist makes a contrast between cutting words, which hurt rather than help; and carefully thought through words, which bring spiritual health to the listener. Toxic words like idiot, worthless, and even worse curse words are used around us every day. It is difficult to keep a sieve over our lips, making sure our words are more helpful than hurtful. Even words that over time wear down a soul or take the heart out of another person are destructive. This can easily happen between spouses when words like disappointment, failure, not good enough, and worst of all divorce are used.

Over and over again Scripture reminds us to bring words of life rather than words of death. Here are some wise words that can help us get along with others in the body of Christ:

The 6 most important words you can say are: “I admit I made a mistake.”
The 5 most important words: “You did a good job.”
The 4 most important words: “What do you think?”
The 3 most important words: “After you, please.”
The 2 most important words: “Thank you.”
The most important word: “We”
The least important word: “I”


“LORD, thank You that You have given us the gift of speech to build others up and bring life. Help us to choose our words well today, that they might bring eternal life.”