Daily Devotional – ‘In His Footstep’
By Kingdom Support Initiatives (KSi)
July 18th 2022

Make Peace with Words

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1 (NIV)

 Bible Reading: Proverbs 15:1-2

Today’s reading reminds me of a stage play I saw few years ago: The story was about two travelers who contravened the tradition of the land. They stayed overnight in a village but refused to inform the king or anyone from the village. The king summoned these strangers for interrogation after they were found. During the conversation, the king reacted angrily and one of the travelers replied angrily at the king while the other pleaded and spoke gently to appease the king. The king ordered one to be lodged in the prison overnight while the other was given a royal treatment for the night.

As simple as this plot is, we are reminded that wisdom is profitable to direct. Relationships and interactions have several sides and we have to learn to reply harsh words with gentle answers. The Bible reminds us that harsh words stir up anger. There are many avoidable crises and conflicts that started with harsh words. In fact, many homes have been destroyed simply because of disagreement that would have been resolved with gentle response, and lots of lives have been lost, destinies destroyed, favored denied and right relationships withheld because of wrong attitudes and responses.

What is the solution? Let your word be seasoned with life, wisdom, and sound knowledge that comes from God’s word. Speak the truth in love and grace. Be intentional about ensuring that your word builds not pull down. Let it heal not wound, and help not destroy. Dear beloved, I encourage you to examine your responses/reactions to situation today, and check your attitude. Do you encourage gentle answers or are you always filled with harsh words that stirs up anger? Always remember that wisdom from God is first pure and peace-loving (James 3:17-18).

Self-Reflection: 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: he wakeneth morning by morning, he wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned. (Isaiah 50:4, KJV)

Action Point: Admit the truth today and make amendment.

Daily Confession: Lord I ask that You help me that my words be seasoned with life that comes from Your word in Jesus name.

Intercessory prayer: Lord please help our leaders to use their words wisely.

Hymn: O be careful little mouth what you say

O be careful little mouth what you say

There’s a Father up above