14 day plan

Why Your Words Matter

Day 10 of 14

NIV

Proverbs 9:7-8

7Whoever corrects a mocker invites insults;

whoever rebukes the wicked incurs abuse.

8Do not rebuke mockers or they will hate you;

rebuke the wise and they will love you.

Reflection:  Years ago, I used to vet callers for a late-night current events talk show. Almost every week I would get a caller who only wanted to fight. Sometimes they were upset with the topic, sometimes they were upset with the viewpoints or sometimes they were angry that they had to wait so long before I picked up! I remember trying to reason with these callers, but it only led to more frustration and ultimately began to impact the efficiency of the show itself.

The sad truth is that you can’t reason with everyone, and not everyone is looking to be reasonable. Some people, some topics, only invite trouble!

Are you in conversation with someone online or in person where you feel that you’re constantly having to deal with abuse when you don’t agree with them? Could it be time to graciously and lovingly release that person or conversation to God?

“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” (Romans 12:18).

This verse acknowledges that there are times when it doesn’t depend on you to keep the peace, and in those moments, the wisest words to say are “God bless you and goodbye.”

Prayer: God, help me to know the difference between someone who wants to understand and someone who only wants to be right. Help me also, Lord, to seek to stay calm when I feel angered, and to also first understand the person and situation through your lens of love and wisdom.  Amen.

Proverbs 9:1-18

Invitations of Wisdom and Folly

1Wisdom has built her house;

she has set up its seven pillars.

2She has prepared her meat and mixed her wine;

she has also set her table.

3She has sent out her servants, and she calls

from the highest point of the city,

4“Let all who are simple come to my house!”

To those who have no sense she says,

5“Come, eat my food

and drink the wine I have mixed.

6Leave your simple ways and you will live;

walk in the way of insight.”

7Whoever corrects a mocker invites insults;

whoever rebukes the wicked incurs abuse.

8Do not rebuke mockers or they will hate you;

rebuke the wise and they will love you.

9Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still;

teach the righteous and they will add to their learning.

10The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,

and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

11For through wisdom your days will be many,

and years will be added to your life.

12If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you;

if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer.

13Folly is an unruly woman;

she is simple and knows nothing.

14She sits at the door of her house,

on a seat at the highest point of the city,

15calling out to those who pass by,

who go straight on their way,

16“Let all who are simple come to my house!”

To those who have no sense she says,

17“Stolen water is sweet;

food eaten in secret is delicious!”

18But little do they know that the dead are there,

that her guests are deep in the realm of the dead.