Proverbs 12:25 Heaviness in the heart of man makes it stoop: but a good word makes it glad.
As an interim minister who is invited to speak in churches, I sometimes hear the Christian colloquial expression, “That was a good word!” As the above proverb says, “A good word makes the heart glad.” Is that all it takes to heal and bring gladness into people’s lives? Praise the Lord that we have one of the answers to the world’s woes. We can bring gladness of heart to this sad world by proclaiming a good word of blessing and of encouragement. Too simple you say. I double-dog dare you to try it!
Prov. 15:4a A wholesome tongue is a tree of life. Steven K. Scott wrote in his book The Richest Man Who Ever Lived, “The Hebrew word for wholesome literally translates “healing” or “curative.” In other words, Solomon is saying that a healing tongue is a “tree of life.” What a beautiful example Steven Scott gives us.
We, who walk in Christ, can bring life because our words can be a tree of life. I love this example. Because trees, of course, are not only alive, they provide life to others. We can bring good and healing words to the world around us because we are living by God’s life-giving word. Psalm 107:20 He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions. God’s word is intended to bring life and healing to those who need it.
So many of the hurt people we encounter on a daily basis are carrying wounds from malicious words that were carelessly thrown at them throughout their lives. The resulting pain has caused a corrosiveness of heart, resulted in different ill effects, and suffering depressions of the souls. Psalm 42:5a Why, my soul, are you so dejected? Why are you in such turmoil?
We read the story of Hagar, the bondwoman of Abraham and Sarah. Hagar and her son Ishmael become victims of circumstance. They are thrown out of their family life by the request of Sarah. Gen. 21:10 Wherefore she said unto Abraham, Cast out this bondwoman and her son: for the son of this bondwoman shall not be heir with my son, even with Isaac. I am sure there were deep wounds and hurts for being treated so ruthlessly.
The castaways run out of water in the desert and are preparing to die when God comes to Hagar with kind words concerning her son. Gen. 21:17 God heard the boy crying, and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven and said to her, “What’s wrong, Hagar? Don’t be afraid, for God has heard the boy crying from the place where he is.” Words inspired by God heal and bring life to the hearts of men. God’s specific words a mother wants to hear are heard – her child will be alright. Truly a good word made the heart glad.
We who know our God have the ability to inspire many lives by simply being careful of how we say things. A good word in season can change a life from disaster to victory. It can change a tense and augmentative situation from anger to a peaceful resolution. Prov. 15:1 A soft answer turns away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.
We have the ability to bring healing, peace, joy, and blessing to many situations in life. We just have to want to do it. Imagine changing your environment by the kind words you speak and act upon. What a wonderful world that would be. Start by bringing a good word within your family. Try it, I double-dog dare you! Blessings, saints.
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