Remember back in the first few studies we had with Tonya? Do you recall when Wisdom was compared to a "tree of life?" In Proverbs 3:18, Solomon instructed us to seek, embrace, hold onto, Wisdom, for "she" would be a tree of life to us. Establishing, nurturing, sustaining us in our life here on earth.
Well, here is an interesting concept in Proverbs 15:4 . . . "a wholesome tongue" can be a tree of life, as well. How? I'm so glad you asked!! In the Hebrew, the word there can be translated curative, sound, wholesome, or healing.
Our tongues can heal when we:
- comfort those who are hurting
- tell sinful souls of our Savior
- encourage those who are at odds to reconcile with each other
- give wholesome advice to those who sorely need it
The opposite of the wholesome tongue would naturally be one that wounds, and tells falsehoods, and causes grief, guilt and divisions among hearers.
While it's true that sticks and stones can break bones, I have never held to the idea that "words can never hurt" me . . . I'm sure we all have seen hearts broken by a few poorly chosen words.
I believe I will strive to have a healing, wholesome, peacemaking tongue. What are your thoughts on this verse?
this is SO pertinent for me at this time in my life. God is SO good. thanks for the word. I need to use my words wisely and carefully as I need to give some advice.
ReplyDeleteWords can certainly be hurtful. I've encountered this on the receiving end and I know I have also spoken hurtful words (not my proudest moments). Sometimes No words is the best course to take. We humans are flawed though, holding our tongue is very difficult even when we think we are doing a good thing it can backfire on the other end. This happened to me recently and I wish I would of never said anything at all! My mom and her sister are at odds right now (I'm sure many hurtful words were exchanged between them) and some how one little thing I said (a gift idea) to one drove the other to be mad at me. I'm trying really hard to keep my tongue at peace with this but it has become greatly harder every time I think about it. However, I cannot get in the middle of their sadness and ill feelings towards each other. They are not ready to reconcile. Hopefully someday soon!
ReplyDeleteI think that words do more damage than sticks and stones. Yes, I will strive for a wholesome tongue. Thank you Snoodles!
ReplyDeleteI think we all agree on this. If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all. I know some folks, who believe what they say is fine, good, needed...because God MADE THEM THAT WAY, to speak their minds regardless. Hmmm.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I think of a wholesome tongue as one that does not curse. Hmmmm again. I painfully admit, I have said some ugly words from time to time in my life. Isn't it hurtful to your heart though, to hear someone's speech peppered with nasty words? I read once that those who use curse words are showing the world how ignorant they are. They can't come up with better words.