Proverbs

The weekly Bible Study I am doing with other moms and kids has been looking closely at the book of Proverbs. Specifically, we are looking at what it says about "words" and "wisdom." I have been reading Proverbs for many years and it's easy to read over them quickly, glossing over the verses. But, in studying these verses in particular, we have found a gold mine. Words mean so much and can lift someone up or crush them. When we think about the words we say before letting them fly out of our mouths, we can save ourselves and others from a lot of hurt and trouble. This study has been going through Proverbs chapter by chapter and it was helped me so much to weigh the value and results of my words. Below are some of the verses that have particularly stood out to me:

Proverbs 10:11 "The words of the godly are a life-giving fountain..." (Are my words going to be life giving or do I have malicious intent. The Bible doesn't say it's ok to hurt someone if they have hurt you back. We are always called to respond in love.)

Proverbs 10:19 "Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut."
Proverbs 11:13 "A gossip goes around telling secrets, but those who are trustworthy can keep a confidence.

(Never share information that is told to you in private. Resist the urge to gossip. It can be so damaging.)

Proverbs 10:21 "The words of the godly encourage many..."
Proverbs 12:18 Some people make cutting remarks,but the words of the wise bring healing.

(Will what I say be helpful or hurtful.)

It all comes back to love and showing others our love for them because of our love for Christ. The verses below are used many times in reference to marriage. But they are for every relationship.

1 Corinthians 13:3-7

"If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing. Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.

If we are loving and wise, then we will be so careful about what we say. I am far from perfect in this area, but pondering on this point gives me something to aim for. As we seek to be better moms, wives, sisters, friends, neighbors,and ambassadors of Christ, I have a new appreciation for Proverbs and it's wisdom.