Verse of the Day 3/27

Verse of the Day 3/27

Proverbs 12:18   The words of the reckless pierce like swords,

    but the tongue of the wise brings healing.    New International Version (NIV)

Today's short passage in Proverbs 12 came up in my daily reading in Proverbs this morning.  As I read them I could not help but think of all of the reckless words that are cast in today's society.  You see it every day in the media, someone throwing barbs at  someone else with the sole purpose of cutting them down, most often for personal advantage.  They are just that, reckless words.  It is all too easy to get caught up in the fray, the barbs and the mud and it is foolish to do so.

Words can cut like a knife and words can bring healing.  The wise person uses their words constructively, for healing, strengthening, and encouraging.  Reckless words and words of healing should not come from the same mouth. It is confirmed by a verse from James 3 in the New Testament, a book which some refer to as the "Proverbs of the New Testament".

James 3:10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.    New International Version (NIV)

The last chapter in the last book in the Old Testament points to the coming One who would bring healing in His wings (NKJV) or as the NIV states below "the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays."

Malachi 4:2   But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays. And you will go out and frolic like well-fed calves. New International Version (NIV)

Let us choose our words carefully today.

--   In Christ,  Mike    Folllow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com  Ephesians 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins,  in accordance with the riches of God's grace.  NIV    

Proverbs 12:17-19 The Message (MSG)

¹⁷ Truthful witness by a good person clears the air,
    but liars lay down a smoke screen of deceit.

¹⁸ Rash language cuts and maims,
    but there is healing in the words of the wise.

¹⁹ Truth lasts;
    lies are here today, gone tomorrow.