The book of Proverbs has a lot to teach us about our words, their power, and how God will give us the words to say to bring life. “Death and life are in the power of the tongue” (Prov 18:21; KJV). In both Prov. 15:2 and 7 we are told that knowledge comes from the tongue of a wise person. Then in Proverbs 16:1 we read that the wise answer of the tongue comes from God.

If we are regularly spending time with God, he will give us his wisdom and we will be able to share that with others.  Then there is this beautiful verse from Proverbs 25:11: "A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver". Finally, from Proverbs: "a word spoken in due season, how good is it" (Prov 15:23).

If you are still not convinced here's one more scripture: "The Lord God hath given me the tongue of the learned that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary” (Isa 50:4). Here's the key, if we have a teachable spirit God himself will teach us how to speak those words of wisdom and blessing.

How does this all apply to us as Christians? In Ephesians 4:29 we are exhorted to use our words of wisdom to edify, build up, be a blessing to and encourage others in their walk with God.

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In Colossians 3:12-17 Paul gives us some guidelines as to how we as Christians should live. In verse 17 we read that we are to do and say everything with thankful hearts and in Jesus name. Wow, if we examined our every action and word in that light, we would need no further instruction.

Back in verse 12, we are exhorted to be merciful but also to do it in a tender manner. The apostle James said that God desired mercy before judgement (James 2:13). Is that worth another wow? In verses 12-13 of Colossians 3, Paul also directs us to be kind; that’s goodness in action. He says we must be patient and meek. Meekness is not being a mouse but describes a powerful man or woman of God who’s will and emotions are under control.

We are to walk in humility. This is being teachable; seeing ourselves as of no significance on our own but the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus (2 Cor 5:21), in whom (Christ) and with his strength, we can do all things (Phil 4:13). We must forgive, just as Christ forgave.

In verse 14, Paul gives us his most important instruction and that is to love as God loves us, with his unconditional love. In verses 15 and 16 we are told to allow God’s peace to rule in our hearts. How do we do that? Well, in verse 16, it says that we should have the word of God on the inside of us (Ps 119:165). This means taking the time to study and meditate the word to the point that it is such a part of us that it flows from us to others in songs of praise and adoration of our God. If we have the word growing in us, the Holy Spirit can respond to the faith we have in that word and develop all the attributes above in us.

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Check out our web site ( www.onthewayinlove.com ) for information on our book: “On the Way: Basic Christian Training”, including how to purchase it and also to see more encouraging Bible based blogs. Please recommend our book to others.