Monday, April 13, 2009

Word Glue

Proverbs 10 speaks a lot about the righteous man in contrast to the wicked. One quality of the righteous definitely stood out. The righteous speak words of wisdom (13, 31), and knowledge (14). He knows when to speak and not to speak (10-11, 19). The mouth of the righteous withholds words, even true words, in order to cover over another persons sin (12; 1 Peter 4:8; 1 Cor. 13:5). The righteous withhold their tongue even when they are wronged and treated unjustly. When he does speak, his words have value (20). They build people up (21) and bring people together (12) and say what is appropriate or fitting for the situation (32).

The best way I can describe the words of the righteous is that they speak words of reconciliation. This is the kind of speech that brings people together to each other and to God. You could say righteous people "reign people in" with their words so that God can reign in their lives. Didn't Jesus pray that we be one as he and the Father are one? Let's draw people into intimacy with our words.

Our words should act as glue to hold our lips together when it is wise not to speak, and when we do speak, our righteous words should draw people together like super glue.

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