Dave's Diary

Daily Readings: Psalm 51 and Proverbs 15

“Gentle words are a tree of life;
    a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.” (v.4 NLT)

“Kind words bring life, but cruel words crush your spirit.” (v.4 GNT)

How lovely it is to spend time with a person whose conversation is gentle and kind. When we leave their company we feel refreshed and enlivened. We feel better about ourselves and the world than we did when we arrived for our time together. We feel built up and encouraged. We long to be with them again some time soon.

How depressing it is to spend time with someone whose words are deceitful and cruel. Whether we or others are the target of their words, we leave their company in hopelessness and despair, with our hearts discouraged, our minds darkened and our spirits crushed. We hope we don’t bump into them again soon.

Each of us can most likely name at least one person in each of the above categories. But, more importantly, the Lord invites us to self examination today. Into which category do I fit?

Ephesians 4:29 says: “Do not use harmful words, but only helpful words, the kind that build up and provide what is needed, so that what you say will do good to those who hear you.” (GNT) So, as a disciple of Jesus, my call is to be the person who speaks gently and kindly to others, using words that will build others up lovingly, encourage them, srengthen them, and do them good. Am I that sort of person? Let us enter the day with a determination to take great care over every word that exits our mouths, and to be deliberate about building others up with gentleness and kindness.

God of Wisdom, grant me discernment over every word I speak. Holy Spirit, produce in me the fruit of gentleness and kindness, and use me to build your children up in love this day. Amen.