Read Proverbs 10
I read Proverbs 10 in the New Living Translation.
My thoughts on Proverbs 10:
Wisdom provides insights on: provision, planning, blessings, instructions
Integrity leads to safety - make sure your words and actions are aligned with God's Word.
Wisdom causes us to speak truth.
Wisdom's words are life-giving and come from the lips of people with understanding.
Treasure knowledge and wise words with understanding.
Bless others - wisdom isn't just for us alone.
Wisdom causes us to accept discipline, understanding that it keeps on the pathway of life.
When we operate in wisdom we will not slander, hate, or talk unnecessarily. Instead, it causes us to encourage others, speaking life to them and about them.
Wisdom keeps us anchored in the storms of life. ("I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]" [John 16:33 AMPC]) I am reminded that Jesus has overcome the world depriving it of power to harm us, and has conquered it for us. The storms of life can't harm us. All we have to do is stay firmly anchored in Him to walk in His peace in the storms of life.
Wisdom gives hope
God's way is a stronghold, a place of safety, to those with integrity. (Stronghold - mâʻôwz, a fortified place; figuratively, a defence:—force, fort(-ress), rock, strength(-en), (most) strong (hold). (Strong's H4581)
The godly will never be disturbed.
Wisdom causes us to give wise advice and speak helpful words.
The verses that spoke to me:
"The words of the godly are a life-giving fountain; the words of the wicked conceal violent intentions. Wise words come from the lips of people with understanding, but those lacking sense will be beaten with a rod. Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut. The words of the godly are like sterling silver; the heart of a fool is worthless. The words of the godly encourage many, but fools are destroyed by their lack of common sense. The mouth of the godly person gives wise advice, but the tongue that deceives will be cut off. The lips of the godly speak helpful words, but the mouth of the wicked speaks perverse words." (Proverbs 10:11, 13, 19-21, 31-32 NLT)
My takeaway:
Words are something we use every single day and sometimes without much thought to how they may impact others. There is so much power in words.
"Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit—you choose." (Proverbs 18:21 MSG)
Your words are a creative force. You can build lives, including your own, or demolish lives, including your own, based on what you say. Before you speak ask yourself, do I want this to come to pass in the person’s life I am talking to? Do I want it to come to pass in my life? You reap what you sow. You may direct the words at others but they can manifest in your life. That's how powerful words are.
Jesus said we would give an account of every idle word we speak so ask yourself do I want to explain this to Jesus?
"But I tell you, on the day of judgment men will have to give account for every idle (inoperative, nonworking) word they speak." (Matthew 12:36 AMPC)
We must be very careful with the words we speak. We're created in the image of God. We have His DNA. He spoke the world into existence and with our words we speak our world into existence. We should use our words to build up and encourage, not tear down and destroy. Be an encourager and not a dream killer, or a self-esteem destroyer. Think carefully before speaking. I know I really don't want my words to hurt others.
As a result, this Scripture has been a daily prayer for me:
"Set a guard, O Lord, before my mouth; keep watch at the door of my lips." (Psalm 141:3 AMPC)
Let this Scripture be the umpire, guarding the words, you speak from now on:
“Let no foul or polluting language, nor evil word nor unwholesome or worthless talk [ever] come out of your mouth, but only such [speech] as is good and beneficial to the spiritual progress of others, as is fitting to the need and the occasion, that it may be a blessing and give grace (God’s favor) to those who hear it.” (Ephesians 4:29 AMPC)
Before you speak, remember this:
"Words are powerful; take them seriously. Words can be your salvation. Words can also be your damnation." (Matthew 12:37 MSG)
Faith Confession:
Lord, please align my words with Your Word so I don’t abort or change my destiny, or the destiny of others, by saying the wrong thing at the wrong time. Let me speak faith filled words that encourage and build, or be quiet. Help me to truly understand just how powerful my words are so I don’t speak casually but with purpose. By speaking words of life, I will reflect Your Kingdom come and Your will being done on earth, as it is in heaven. Thank You Jesus!
THIS IS THE MISSION STATEMENT OF THIS MINISTRY:
Encouraging and Empowering you to become who you were created to be, God's Masterpiece, a Divine Original!
I am about speaking life to, and over, others, and encouraging them, and myself, in the Word of God.
Share in the comments what verse spoke to you and why. Let's grow in wisdom together.
Be Encouraged! ❤