MARCH 26 - Yea, or nay

“There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers” - Proverbs 6:16-19 ESV

I came across this poem by an unknown author. It brought to mind the many warnings the Bible gives about the power our words hold over the lives of others:

Proverbs 18:21 ESV says “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.”

“There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing” - Proverbs 12:18 ESV

Keep a watch on your words, my children

For words are wonderful things.

They are sweet, like the bees fresh honey

Like bees, they have terrible stings.

They can bless like the warm glad sunshine

And brighten a lonely life.

They can cut in the strife of anger

Like an open two-edged knife.

Let them pass through your lips unchallenged

If their errand be grand and kind.

If they come to support the weary

To comfort and help the blind...

If a bitter and revengeful spirit

Prompt the words, let them be still....

They may flash through the brain like lightening

Or fall on the heart like lead....

Keep them back if they're cold and cruel

Under bar and lock and seal....

The wounds they make my children

Are always slow to heal....

May God guard your lips and ever

From the time of your early youth....

May the words that you daily utter

Be the words of wonderful truth.

“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer” - Psalm 19:14 (ESV)

“Wonderful Words of Life – Live, is our chosen music today.  Click on Word of Life picture to listen.