Measuring Your Words

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New Life Daily Devotion - Sept. 14, 2009



From a wise mind comes wise speech;
the words of the wise are persuasive.
Proverbs 16:23 NLT

If you seek to be a source of encouragement to friends, to family members, and to coworkers, then you must measure your words carefully. And that's exactly what God wants you to do. God's Word reminds us that "Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing" (Proverbs 12:18 NIV).

Today, make this promise to yourself: vow to be an honest, effective, encouraging communicator at work, at home, and everyplace in between. Speak wisely, not impulsively. Use words of kindness and praise, not words of anger or derision. Learn how to be truthful without being cruel. Remember that you have the power to heal others or to injure them, to lift others up or to hold them back. And when you learn how to lift them up, you'll soon discover that you've lifted yourself up, too.

Part of good communication is listening with the eyes as well as with the ears.
Josh McDowell

Jesus Christ, in His infinite wisdom, used the words and idioms that were in use among those whom He addressed. You should do likewise.
St. Joseph Cafasso

We should ask ourselves three things before we speak: Is it true? Is it kind? Does it glorify God?
Billy Graham

Attitude and the spirit in which we communicate are as important as the words we say.
Charles Stanley

Today's Prayer

Lord, You have warned me that I will be judged by the words I speak. Keep me mindful, Lord, that I have influence on many people;
make me an influence for good. And, may the words that I speak today be worthy of the One who has saved me forever. Amen