“Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.”
Proverbs 17:9
So often our first choice of defense over an offense is a reactionary retaliation through words and gossip. Somehow, because we hurt, we are under the false impression that this method will fix things, but in reality it only drives the hurt deeper, makes the pain more excruciating and continues to destroy the relationship. How many reputations have we insulted and characters have we maligned by repeating ‘what we know, or sadly, what we ‘think’ we know?” On the contrary, God’s economy is so different! It’s a sweet place of peace, where love is a spiritual warfare, and forgiveness of the offense is our healing.
Proverbs 17:27 confirms the joy that comes when we speak respectfully of and to others. “A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!” Good words given to others not only encourage the listener but come back to bless the giver. How true that is. Where biting words will come back to bite, kind words will come back to bless! Have you seen it in your own life? Have your dished out bitterness to find bitterness returns to lodge in your own heart? Proverbs 15:23 gives a beautiful picture of regal stature and eloquent speech, with it’s analogy of gold and silver. “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.” How rich are the words of the wise and the timely words of the understanding, sensitive speakers. A word fitly spoken is a speech of excellence manifesting God’s spirit of life within us as He directs our hearts and our thoughts toward the person in need. The right word at the right time, given with discernment, gives a most beautiful gift to the down and out, the outcast, the discouraged, the despairing, the disappointed, the heavy-hearted, the guilt ridden and the fearful! The person in need of forgiveness is in need of a good word, not an attack and not gossip! Have you had words lately? Remember to make them sweet, without flattery, seasoned with salt, of course, but sweet, gentle and kind. Remember Proverbs 25:11 reminds us How important are the words that come out of our mouth?
Hope and Healing In Hard Places 