Today's Devotional Thought
August 02, 2011 by Rachel Piferi
She Speaks
All last weekend was about words. Whether you were in the Speakers Track (like Wendy and I were) or in the Writers Track, the She Speaks conference was about learning how to use your words effectively in ministry.
I couldn’t help but think of Proverbs 31:26: “She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.??? Given that Proverbs 31 Ministries was hosting the event, this verse in Proverbs did show up a time or two. As I thought about this verse, I was curious what faithful instruction really meant. As you look at different translations, this is what you see:
When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness. (NLT)
She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. (ESV)
She opens her mouth in wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. (NAS)
Last weekend was all about using our words to make a difference. But, what I began to realize was that all of my words matter. Not just the words I type here or the words I use in a talk. But, the words I speak to my children as we are getting ready in the morning. The words that I say to my husband in the middle of a disagreement. The words that I speak to the check-out woman at Wal-Mart. The words that I text to my best friend.
They all matter.
Do you speak with words of wisdom and give instructions to others with kindness?
I think we’re all pretty good with watching our words with those whom we barely know. But what about the words that slip out when our guard is down or when we are stressed or upset? I think we tend to be very careful with our words when we are trying to make an impression, but how are you with the words you use with the people closest to you? Quite honestly, I think I do a much better job with my prepared words than the words that I use in everyday, casual interactions.
As Paul has written to the Ephesians, Colossians, Romans, and Thessalonians, may the words you use always be full of kindness and grace and love. May they build others up and not discourage or insult others. And may they always reflect Christ. Not just when your words are prepared and edited for speaking or writing. But, may your words always be spoken with wisdom and kindness in every situation and with every audience.
December