In the book of Proverbs Solomon said, “He that speaks truth shows forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit”, and in chapter twelve and verse eighteen of Proverbs Solomon said, “there is that speaks like the piercings of a sword” where we read,
There is that speaks like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.
The verse begins, “There is that speaks like the piercings of a sword:” Solomon began with the words, “there is that speaks” or “there exists babbling, vociferating and pronouncement” “like the piercings” which means “similar and in likeness to the stabbing or thrusting” “of a sword” or “pertaining to a knife, cutting tool, axe, dagger or mattock”. Solomon shared how some people use their voices to make cutting remarks similar to the workings of a knife or cutting tool.
The verse continues, “but the tongue of the wise is health.” Solomon added the words, “but the tongue of the wise” or “however, nonetheless, notwithstanding and moreover the wedge in the mouth used for tasting and speaking belonging to people who are skillful, shrewd and prudent” “is health” which means “exists as medicinal, delivering and as a remedy”. Solomon said there are other people who employ the tongues in their mouths to bring healing and remedy to others.
When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we learn through Solomon how our “mouths and tongues” may be used to cut others down or to bring health and remedy to them. James the apostle wrote, “...the tongue is a little member, and boasts great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindles! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.” (See James 3:6) In a later chapter Solomon writes, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue”, and Jesus said, “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks”. (See Luke 6:45) God created our mouths and tongues, and He knows we are able to use them in good or bad ways. He sent His Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross to save us from all our sins including our speaking, and when we yield to Him as our personal “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and purify our hearts so we use our speech to edify others rather than tear them down.
Next time Solomon says, “the lip of truth shall be established for ever”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until tomorrow…there is more…
See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".
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