The Daily Word: Wednesday, May 12th, 2021
1 Samuel 12:1-13:23
John 7:1-30
Psalm 108:1-13
Proverbs 15:4
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Commentary from Pastor Michael White:
A wholesome tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit. – Prov. 15:4
Broken people have broken tongues; and broken tongues break people. The tongue is a powerful tool! “Death and life are in the power of the tongue” (Prov. 18:21)! Your tongue has the power to build up and to tear down. Are you living like that’s true? Are you watching your mouth so that nothing perverse or destructive comes out?
When I was growing up, we were taught this saying: “Sticks and stones can break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” It sounds tough; but it’s not Biblical! Your words are incredibly powerful and eternally important. After all, was it not the serpent’s words that tricked Adam and Eve? Were they not your words that marked the receipt of salvation (Rom. 10:9)?
A perverse tongue breaks the spirit. That has two implications for you today. First, be loving in what you say to others! Poorly-placed words can send people off on a destructive track that can take years to repair. Speak life, and never death over other people.
Second, be wise in what you speak over yourself. The more you permit “perverseness” in your tongue, the more your spirit will break. The character, integrity, and focus you once had towards God will start to erode, all as a result of your failure to watch your tongue. Don’t let it happen! Ask the Holy Spirit for help. Guard your tongue from evil, and loose it for God, in Jesus’ name.
Prayer:
Father, I want to use my tongue as a tool of life and never destruction. I pray that Your Holy Spirit would put words of life on my tongue! Fill my mouth up with wholesome words. I bind perverseness in Jesus’ name. It cannot touch me! I will speak words of affirmation and grace over myself and others, in Jesus’ name.
© Michael D. White, 2021. All rights reserved.