Wednesday, May 17, 2006
Proverbs 11:11-15
By the blessing of the upright a city is exalted,
but by the mouth of the wicked it is overthrown.
Whoever belittles his neighbor lacks sense,
but a man of understanding remains silent.
Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets,
but he who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a thing covered.
Where there is no guidance, a people falls,
but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.
Whoever puts up security for a stranger will surely suffer harm,
but he who hates striking hands in pledge is secure. (ESV)
by Angie Osborn
“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” I think that rhyme is one of the great lies of our society. Words have a lot of power. Hurtful words can tear a person down. Many nights, I have gone to bed feeling terrible and crying out for forgiveness for words I uttered in anger, or replayed in my mind what was spoken to me. On the other hand, our words can build up those around us. We can use our words to lend some encouragement to one who is in need of a “boost”. Today, ask God to guide your words. Use your words to lift others up. You’ll feel lifted up as well!
Copyright Information
Daily Bible Meditations are taken from The Helping Hand,a Sabbath School student quarterly for youth and adults. Copyright © 2008, Seventh Day Baptist Board of Christian Education, Inc.
Scripture quotations marked "ESV" are taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Text provided by the Crossway Bibles Web Service .
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