December 04, 2023
Daily Devotion:
"Wise in Heart"
Proverbs 16:21-24
New International Version
21 The wise in heart are called discerning, and gracious words promote instruction.22 Prudence is a fountain of life to the prudent, but folly brings punishment to fools. 23 The hearts of the wise make their mouths prudent, and their lips promote instruction.24 Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to
the bones.
Our voices also have the power to do great harm. When a problem like this occurs, it’s often been triggered by something small—perhaps a critique made in anger or a jab caused by envy. Harsh words may feel good, even justified at times. But they never bring about what God desires because, in the end, they aren’t life-giving.
They’re not what we, as Christ-followers, are meant to offer.
Jesus teaches us that “the good person out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth what is good … for his mouth speaks from that which fills his heart” (Luke 6:45).
So, while negative feelings and speech may arise in us from time to time, it is important to pause and take
note of them. Let’s analyze what’s really causing those harsh words and pray that the Lord will continue to soften our heart and increase our capacity for kindness.
