Think Like Jesus: Timeless Wisdom From ProverbsSample

The Power of Your Words

The tone of your words will shape the tone of your life. In every situation, you have the unique opportunity be either a peacemaker or an instigator. Let your default mode be one of peace. To find common ground and diffuse tense situations, your ears are as important as your mouth. The more you listen, the more credibility you’ll have when you speak. 

Pride may tempt you to shout until your point is heard, but the humble path to wisdom gives you the discipline to lean in and listen. Seek to understand even more than you seek to be understood. Especially within our most intimate relationships—like marriage, family, and very close friendships—we must guard our words carefully. We can’t treat strangers and work associates with kindness and courtesy only to come home and be cold and critical toward the people who matter most. 

Don’t take your loved ones for granted. Your words will either be a force uniting your family together or a divisive wedge separating you from your loved ones. If we’ll allow the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts and guide our steps, He will give us wisdom with our words in the moments when we might not know what to say. If you live surrendered to God, then He will empower you with the wisdom you need in every conversation.

Prayer

Father, thank You for entrusting me with such power and influence with my words. Help me use my words to build up and not to tear down. Please forgive me for all the careless words I have spoken in my life. I know I’ve done damage both intentionally and unintentionally. Please help me avoid causing pain in the future and bring healing to the damage I’ve already caused. Give me courage when I need to speak with boldness. Give me humility when I deserve a rebuke. Help me listen and learn instead of simply spouting off my own opinions. Thank You for the love and patience You have for me. Help me show this same love and patience to others.

 In Jesus’s name, amen. 

(Taken from Day 11 of Think Like Jesus book)