Proverbs 12:17-20
“An honest witness tells the truth; a false witness tells lies. Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing. Truthful words stand the test of time, but lies are soon exposed. Deceit fills hearts that are plotting evil; joy fills hearts that are planning peace!”
Life and death are in the tongue. The Bible teaches that there is power behind our words. We have been entrusted with this responsibility. What does our speech say about what we believe? Do we really believe this truth? That words bring death and life.
We have all had people in our lives that speak truth and lies to us. Can you remember a moment when you had a friend or mentor that encouraged you? In that moment were you empowered to move forward beyond your current circumstance? Maybe it was during a heartbreak, divorce or financial stress. Or did you have the opposite, maybe it was someone you trusted and they discouraged you or even spread lies and rumors about you? Can you remember the feelings you had after these two events? What did you feel? Uplifted? Accepted? Betrayed? Attacked? If we have lived for five minutes on this earth, we have most likely experienced both of these multiple times. Words are impactful. Words change things. In moments of great need, words spoken have the opportunity to direct the course of our lives and the lives around us. We often hold on to the false or negative words spoken to us rather than the positive and encouraging. The words that have been spoken to us can mold who we are and what we believe. Words have the ability to bind or break strongholds. There is power in our words.
The real question we probably should take away from these verses, however, is where do you fit, who are you? Are you the false witness who spreads lies, the one who spreads cutting remarks whose hearts are being filled with deceit? Or are you the honest witness that always tells the truth, are you the one who speaks words that bring healing? Your words will stand the test of time and joy will fill your hearts. True fulfillment is found here. We most likely have fallen into both of these categories at one time or another…I know that I have. But as we move forward who do we want to become? What will be our experience? And the experience that we share with others?
Proverbs 18:21; James 3:5-8; Matthew 12:33-37; Ephesians 4:29; Hebrews 4:12