JUN 26

Proverbs 15:1-2
Memorise James 3:8-10
“but the tongue can no man tame”

Have you ever been shouted at? What would happen if you shouted back at that person? Both of you would just grow angrier, and your shouts would get louder and louder. If you instead use a soft calm voice and apologise to the other person, you will notice that he will eventually stop shouting and calm down as well. This is what Proverbs 15:1-2 teaches about using a soft answer to turn away wrath. When you encounter such a situation, it is wise to take a minute to calm down and pray before just reacting emotionally. Hurtful or “grievous” words that spoken in the heat of the moment, though not truly meant, can “stir up anger” and hurt the other person. They may be words that we will regret saying for a long time after. Likewise, this verse also speaks of how a wise person has control over his tongue and “useth knowledge aright”. It is not the amount of knowledge the person has, but how he chooses to use it that makes him a wise person. He does not simply spout out what he knows or voice his opinion but carefully considers the situation before choosing the right words to say. In contrast, a foolish person has no control over his tongue (James 3:8-10). Proverbs describes how foolishness literally pours out of his mouth in a flood, hurting himself and the people around him.

Service is not just what you do in church on Sunday. Service to God involves surrendering your whole life to Him every second of everyday. Therefore, every word you speak should be God-honouring. Jesus said that, “not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man” (Matthew 15:11). What we say reflects what is in our heart. Will we be like the wise man who carefully chooses his words in each situation? Do we say a comforting word to a brother or sister in church who is grieving? Do we encourage and edify others with God’s Word? Do we speak a word for Christ to an unbelieving friend? If we learn to use our tongue in a God-pleasing way, God can truly use our words to do His work. Conversely, if we fail to tame our tongue like the fool, we may end up damaging our relationships with our loved ones as well as undermining our witness for Christ.

Thought: What are ways you can use “knowledge aright”?
Prayer: Lord, guard my tongue and help me use it for Thy glory.