TODAY’S WORD FOR TUESDAY MAY 24, 2016.
RECKLESS
Utterly unconcerned about consequences; careless
He who keeps the commandment keeps his soul, but he who is careless of his ways will die. Proverbs 19:16
There is one who speaks rashly like the thrusts of a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Truthful lips will be established forever, but a lying tongue is only for a moment. Proverbs 12:18-19.
In the second verse we have put above from Proverbs, we see a contrast between using harsh words that are spoken recklessly and bring harm and wise words spoken thoughtfully bring healing. Reckless words are often spoken out of anger and out of anger come reckless actions. Reckless words and actions have consequences as we find demonstrated in the account in the failings of Moses and the Israelites recorded in Numbers 20:2-13.
The children of Israel often rebelled against God and constantly complained to Moses about the lack of food and water. In Numbers 20:3 it says the Israelites quarreled with Moses because they had no water. They were angry so there is no doubt harsh words were spoken. Their rebellion against God and against Moses angered Moses. Nevertheless Moses interceded for them and God instructed Moses to gather the people before the rock and told Moses to speak to the rock to bring forth water. In his anger Moses first spoke harshly to the people calling them rebels. Then he recklessly struck the rock, not speaking to it first as God commanded Moses thus disobeying God’s instructions. Water came forth from the rock but because of Moses disobedience God did not allow him to enter the Promised Land. Disobedience is reckless and always has consequences.
This is contrasted with one who speaks thoughtful words that will bring healing. In Ephesians 4:29-20 the apostle Paul writes, Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear. Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
The word for “unwholesome” refers, in this verse from Ephesians, to that which is foul or rotten, such as spoiled fruit or putrid meat. Paul is reminding us that foul language of any kind should never pass a Christian’s lips, because it is totally out of character with the life one has in Christ. The Christian’s speech according to Paul should be at all times instructive, encouraging, uplifting (even if it needs to be corrective), and suited for the moment and above all they should be truthful.
Our Lord set the standard for us. In this verse from Ephesians Paul says that our words should give grace to those that hear them. Because we have been saved by grace and kept by His grace, we should live by grace and speak with grace.
All around us today we hear words from people that do not honor our Lord. It is so easy for us, when we hear these words all the time, to give in, even unconsciously, and begin to use those words. Our Lord warns us not to get reckless but to live for Him making sure that our words and actions honor our Lord.
Our memory verse for this week is found in Zechariah 13:9
I will bring the one-third through the fire, will refine them as silver is refined, and test them as gold is tested. They will call on My name, and I will answer them. I will say, This is My people; and each one will say, The Lord is my God.
Help me always to be truthful and to speak words that are wise and bring healing rather than hurt. Help me to only say and do what will bring honor to Your name.
 |
| Special Price Only $10.00 Click Here for More |
ONE FINAL SUGGESTION.
If you have not received your FREE BOOKMARK from us, please click on either:
or
Write Ken and Dottie a note
And we will send one to you.
It includes 10 golden rules for a happy family.
It includes 10 golden rules for a happy family.
