A Prayer That Your Words Will Be a Tree of Life - Your Daily Prayer - August 4
A Prayer That Your Words Will Be a Tree of Life
By Vivian Bricker
Bible Reading:
“The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.” - Proverbs 15:4
Listen or Read Below:
When I was a child, my mom used to talk to my siblings and me about the importance of our words. We were never to use our words to hurt each other or to say mean things. These same rules applied inside the house as well as when we were out in public or at school. My mom did a great job of helping my siblings and me understand how our words can really help others and also how they can tear someone down.
As I grew older, I kept my mom’s teachings close to my heart. Even when anger would rise inside of me, I would slow down and be careful with my words. I did mess up a few times, and these few times motivated me to be even more careful with my words. When a hateful or angry word slips out and hurts someone else, it can make you feel awful.
Even though I thought “getting back” at someone for hurting me would make me feel better, it made me feel worse. Ever since these occasions, I haven't wanted to say something bad about someone else because it can really hurt their feelings, and I don't want to cause pain to my loved ones or even to those who have been mean to me. This is why I strive to continue to follow what my mom taught me and to continue to take my time to process thoughts instead of speaking rashly and saying something that I'll regret later.
I have also been on the opposite side of the spectrum, where people have used their words to hurt me. Throughout middle school, I was bullied and called a hodgepodge of insulting remarks. Teachers and students alike called me “stupid,” “ugly,” and “fat.” None of these words helped me in any sense and caused depression, anxiety, and anorexia to spring into my life. Even now, as an adult, I still often think about what these kids said, and it continues to make me feel poorly.
Maybe you have also dealt with something similar. Most of us have used our words to hurt others, and others have hurt us with their words at some point or another. The good news is that we can change our ways and begin to treat others kindly. This might mean getting a handle on our anger and talking out matters with God beforehand. I have found this to be particularly helpful as I'm relying on God's strength rather than my own.
The Bible tells us, “The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit” (Proverbs 15:4). As this wise Proverb tells us, a soothing tongue is a tree of life. If we use our words to build others up, support them, and breathe life into them, it will help them to flourish. However, a perverse tongue will crush their spirit.
As believers, we need to ensure our tongues are being used as trees of life instead of objects to bring harm to others. This will look like using our words for kindness, love, and support. Even if someone is mean to us, we should not retaliate. As Paul says, “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone” (Romans 12:17).
Think about what this might look like in your life. Yes, it will be a struggle, but it is not a struggle you have to face alone. Jesus wants to help you ensure your words are filled with life-giving kindness, support, and love. He will equip you with what you need to turn your words into a tree of life. Lean on Him, find hope in Him, and allow Him to direct your path.
It might take some time with trial and error, but Jesus will help you develop a soothing tongue. By default, most of us have a perverse tongue, with which we tear others down. Many of us are even taught to develop a hurtful tongue growing up. If we have been taught in accordance with this teaching, we need to surrender our lives to Jesus and ask Him to help us follow Him. Even old teachings can be transformed by Jesus and made into something new.
Let's Pray:
Dear Jesus, I ask that You help my tongue become soothing and a tree of life to others. I don't want to have a perverse or wicked tongue that only brings others down. I admit I have struggled with this in the past, and I have seen the damage it can do to others. I have hurt others with my words, and I have been hurt by them. Please help me develop a tongue that only speaks words of love, wisdom, and hope. Although I know I will struggle at times, I find hope in your strength. You are my wonderful Savior, who will help my tongue become the wellspring of life that it should be. No more will I walk in the ways of darkness. Thank You for always listening to me, Lord. Amen.
Photo credit: ©GettyImages/kevron2001
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