Daily Devotional for Friday, September 26

The Wise Weigh Their Words

“A fool’s wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame,” Proverbs 12:16.

The world today is full of rash, angry and outspoken people. This is especially true in the world of the internet. During online conversations, people say things they would never dream of saying in “real” life. Keyboard warriors abound. It is clear that, in many online discussions, little forethought has gone into what people say to each other. The previously mentioned “real” life is headed in the same direction. People are overly blunt and hurtful and often do not know what they are talking about. Yet, talk about it they do. People take great pride in being “salty.” Being a jerk was a badge of shame at one time; now, people wear it like a badge of honor.

For those who claim, “That is just the way I am,” I say, “No, you are not.” I understand this better than many. Left unattended, I can easily be the person described above. The thing is, we should say, “That is who I used to be.” God has made you a new creation, and you are not that person anymore!

We should look back at the concept of being “salty.” Today, to be salty means, for the most part, to be obnoxious. God does tell us to be salty, but being obnoxious is not the biblical definition. We are to preserve and bring a good flavor to the world around us.

Christians must change how they communicate verbally with others. The world engages its mouth and then worries about the impact later. God says engage your mind first, then engage your mouth. A fool just lets it out, but the wise weighs his words and only lets them loose if they are edifying. Are you foolish or wise? Are you following God’s way or your way?

JUST A THOUGHT

Just because it is true does not necessarily mean it needs to be said.

Wally Fry