To Whom Will You Speak Life To

"The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life," Proverbs 10:11a

Solomon says the righteous are marked by a mouth who brings forth life.

If you are a Christian (i.e., righteous), then your mouth is to be a fountain of life to those around you.

In what ways can your mouth be a fountain of life this week? Let me give you three:

First, by offering gracious words.

Proverbs 16:24 says, "Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body."

We all need grace. Therefore, extending grace is a way to be a fountain of life.

When your employee or employer messes up or says something that irritates you, extend grace through your words.

When the grocery store worker takes longer than necessary to bag your items, extend grace and ask how they are doing today.

When your son or daughter calls you to tell you something or ask for advice, speak words of grace. In so doing, you will build them up with life.

Second, by offering words that are discerning of the situation around you. In other words, by reading the room and responding accordingly.

Proverbs 25:11 says, "A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver."

As you go about this week, read the atmosphere of those around you, be it at home, at work, or even at church, and speak accordingly.

Maybe someone needs to be exhorted or encouraged, maybe someone needs to be warned, or maybe they need to be prayed for.

Whatever the situation, a word fitly spoken can be a fountain of life.

Third, by offering few words.

Proverbs 10:19a says, "When words are many, transgression is not lacking" and 12:18a, "There is one whose rash words like are sword thrusts."

In the heat of the moment, our words can be like swords that cut and wound and destroy. And when talk is idle, transgression easily follows - idle talk leads to gossip, crudeness, and careless words.

Sometimes the best thing we can do is hold back our words, give them to the Lord, and let Him fill us with new, gracious words.

Dear friend, speak life to someone this week. You never know who you'll touch.

~ Pastor Alexander