V180
V180
Word4Today Daily Bible Devotional

by Bob and Debby Gass

OUCH!

OUCH!
‘Careless words stab like a sword, but wise words bring healing.’ Proverbs 12:18 NCV

Have you heard the saying, ‘sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me’? It’s not true, is it? Words can really hurt! And God knows: ‘Careless words stab like a sword!’ Ouch! They can be extremely destructive; check out these two situations:
Scene 1: an altar boy in a small country church. One day he accidentally dropped the communion wine. The priest slapped him and shouted, ‘Leave, and don’t come back!’ That boy grew up to be General Tito, the brutal communist dictator who ruled the people of Yugoslavia for years.
Scene 2: an altar boy in a big city cathedral. One day he accidentally dropped the communion wine. His bishop turned to him and whispered reassuringly, ‘It’s ok, some day you’ll be a great priest.’ That boy grew up to be Archbishop Fulton Sheen, whose sermons touched the hearts of millions on national television.
Words either build people up or tear them down. YOUR words either build people up or tear people down. When you speak, make sure no-one says, ‘OUCH!’ You must do these things to enjoy life and have many happy days. You must not say evil things (see 1 Peter 3:10). Feeling hurt by someone’s words? Then let God’s Word build you up: You are ‘…fearfully and wonderfully made…’ (Psalm 139:14 NIV), ‘…My unfailing love for you will not be shaken…’ (Isaiah 54:10 NIV)

SoulFood: 2 Kings 4:18-6:33, Mark 14:53-65, Ps 48, Pr 13:2-3

V180 Logo

Tap here to get this reading each day directly in your inbox

Select Specific Day

SMTWTFS
« MayJul »