Nov 20

In his many letters to the churches, Paul often had to warn them and sometimes chide them for allowing themselves to be swayed by the words of those who did not have the best interests of the church at heart. In warning against such people in Romans 16:18, he says that "by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people." Words again.

In 1Timothy 4:12, he calls Timothy to set an example for the believers in a number of areas, in life, love, faith, and purity. But the first thing he mentions is to set an example in his speech.

When Jesus spoke to the crowds in the synagogue, at the beginning of his earthly ministry, they were amazed at the gracious words that came from his lips (Luke 4:22).

And hasn't that been your experience too? Don't you just love it and feel so blessed when you hear a mature, wise person speak words that go right to your spirit and resonate there with your heart's desire to hear noble things instead of the constant drivel of the world? Our hearts cry out to hear God speak to us in his kindness and truth.

"How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!" (Psalm 119:103).

Scripture for today: Luke 4:14-30
Thought for today: The words of the pure are like honey to the mouth.
Prayer for today: Lord, keep watch over my lips and guard my tongue, that I may always speak in love all the words that come from my heart. Keep my heart pure in you.

NOV 20