Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Mouth – Proverbs 16:23-24 – Wise Man’s Heart Guides His Mouth – Growing As Disciples
A wise man’s heart guides his mouth, and his lips promote instruction. Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. Proverbs 16:23-24 (NIV)
Speak My Words
Do you want to be able to speak pleasant words? Do you want to speak words that are sweet to the soul and healing to the bones? Do you want your words to give words of instruction that come from me? Don’t be quick to answer these questions of mine. First, take an inventory of the words that have already been coming out of your mouth. How would you describe the words that have been coming out of your mouth? My words have not always been pleasant I can tell you that for sure. My words have not always been sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. Far from it, at times I have spoken words that have stirred up strife and created conflict. Some of my words have been sarcastic and cutting like a knife. I know that I have spoken words that have torn others down rather than built them up. I have gotten caught up in the heat of battle and spoken words that I deeply regret. I have had to turn from my wicked words. I have had to repent and ask for forgiveness for the words that came out of my mouth. I will ask you for forgiveness right now for the unhelpful and unhealthy words that have come out of my mouth. You have my forgiveness. Now can I answer your questions? Yes, go ahead and answer my questions. I will simply say that I want to speak words that come from you. I want to speak words that are pleasant and sweet and healing to all that hear them. That will be very good.
How can I leave my old thoughts and words behind so I can speak your words? You have asked a very good question. Why is that? Your question contains a part of your answer. How so? You will need to leave your old thoughts behind if you ever want to be able to speak my words. You may think that you have a problem with your words. Your real problem is with your heart and mind. The words of your mouth will always reveal the condition of your heart and mind. If you want to be able to speak my words, then you must allow me to change your heart and transform your mind. I want you to change my heart. I want you to transform my mind. How will you do that? Let my words dwell in you richly. Consider carefully all that I am saying to you. Put my words into practice. My words will change your heart and transform your mind and allow you to speak words that are pleasant and sweet and healing to all that hear them. Will you allow my word to dwell in you richly so that it will change your heart and transform your mind? Yes Lord, I will. Then you will be able to speak my words.
Lord, only you can change my heart so that the words of my mouth and the actions of my life are pleasing to you. Change me so that I will be able to speak wise, sweet and pleasant words of instruction and healing to others. Amen
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