Overcomer - Watch your Words

Wednesday November 11

Proverbs 15:1-18

1 A gentle answer turns away wrath,

   but a harsh word stirs up anger.

2 The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge,

   but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.

3 The eyes of the Lord are everywhere,

   keeping watch on the wicked and the good.

4 The soothing tongue is a tree of life,

   but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.

5 A fool spurns a parent’s discipline,

   but whoever heeds correction shows prudence.

6 The house of the righteous contains great treasure,

   but the income of the wicked brings ruin.

7 The lips of the wise spread knowledge,

   but the hearts of fools are not upright.

8 The Lord detests the sacrifice of the wicked,

   but the prayer of the upright pleases him.

9 The Lord detests the way of the wicked,

   but he loves those who pursue righteousness.

10 Stern discipline awaits anyone who leaves the path;

   the one who hates correction will die.

11 Death and Destruction lie open before the Lord—

   how much more do human hearts!

12 Mockers resent correction,

   so they avoid the wise.

13 A happy heart makes the face cheerful,

   but heartache crushes the spirit.

14 The discerning heart seeks knowledge,

   but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly.

15 All the days of the oppressed are wretched,

   but the cheerful heart has a continual feast.

16 Better a little with the fear of the Lord

   than great wealth with turmoil.

17 Better a small serving of vegetables with love

   than a fattened calf with hatred.

18 A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict,

   but the one who is patient calms a quarrel.

This passage from the pen of the wisest man who ever lived begins and ends with anger.  Notice the consequences of not being in control and not making peace with others.

Reflect

Questions

How differently does a hot-tempered person and one who gives a gentle answer handle conflict?  How are you doing with this these days?

Prayer

Almighty Lord - I need your help to guard and guide my words.  Unless you live in me and speak through me - I am way too likely to stir up anger than calm a quarrel.  So since Jesus is the Prince of Peace I invite him to rule and reign in my life today.  In Jesus’ name - Amen.

Memory Verse

And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, Ephesians 4:26 NLT

Share

When was the last time you made a wise choice and helped to calm a situation that could have led to a quarrel?  

Pray for each other.

DFM Nation

Next Sunday Pastor Glenn will conclude the Overcomer Series with a message about overcoming wrath and anger with forgiveness.  Join us and bring a friend.