April 23, 2024 – If You Can’t Say Something Nice…

If You Can’t Say Something Nice…
April 23, 2024

DAILY PROVERB:

Proverbs 10:17-20
He is in the way of life that keepeth instruction: but he that refuseth reproof erreth. He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool. In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise. The tongue of the just is as choice silver: the heart of the wicked is little worth.

OUTLOOK ON THE IN BOOK:

      My parents used to tell me, “If you can’t say anything good about somebody, then don’t say anything at all.” What they were trying to teach me was not to speak ill of someone.

      In today’s passage, we hear a similar message, but in King Solomon’s language: “He that uttereth slander is a fool.” This means that speaking ill of someone and degrading them is foolish. It makes you appear childish and insecure about yourself.

      However, earlier in the same passage, it seems to say almost the opposite: “He that hideth hatred with lying lips…is a fool.” Does this mean that not saying anything would also make you foolish? Well, not exactly. You have to notice the word “lying” in there. Saying nice things about someone while lying is just as foolish as speaking ill of them.

    So, what’s a person to do? Verse 19 holds the clue. Don’t just be running your mouth to see how fast your lips can fly. If you see someone doing something wrong, approach that person in private to address the matter in a loving and caring way. If someone deserves praise, offer open praise, but avoid going overboard. People can tell when you’re being insincere. Overall, it comes down to being honest in all things.

    Consequently, maybe the saying my parents used should have been, “If you can’t say something nice about someone, refrain from saying anything negative to others.” However, if you truly care about someone, you need to go to him or her privately and lovingly help them when possible..

THE WORD WALKING IN ME:

     The Bible teaches us to be prepared and willing to forgive others for their wrongdoings against us. Forgiving doesn’t mean forgetting; it means choosing not to hold their actions against them. Is there someone in your life whom you need to forgive? Entrust it to the Lord today.

How might your words effect someone else’s life today?
How might your words effect your life today?

IF YOU ARE JOURNALING:

Ask yourself, what are MY THOUGHTS concerning this Passage, and todays Devotion?

Do I find within this reading a CHALLENGE for my life?

What are one or two things I WILL DO today or this week to accept that CHALLENGE?

  

GOD TALKING TO ME: APRIL 23, 2024

THROUGH THE BIBLE WITH A DAILY PROVERBS
   1 Kings 8 – 1 Kings 10
   Proverbs 10:17 – 20

THROUGH THE BIBLE OLD & NEW TESTAMENT DAILY
   1 Samuel 2-4
   Luke 16:18-31