Walking with the Wise #121: Even When It Hurts

“An evil man is ensnared by the transgression of his lips,
but the righteous escapes from trouble.”

—Proverbs 12:13

Our words can help build up or tear down others. We must be extremely careful how we use our words, as Jesus said,

“I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned”—Matthew 12:36-37.

Words are powerful—they can give life or take it away. For an evil man, his words will ensnare him. Whether he makes promises he doesn’t keep, or straight up lies, eventually he will be caught in his words. But not so with the righteous—the righteous man tells the truth and keeps his word, even when it hurts (cf. Psalm 15:4).

May we follow the words of the apostle Paul,

“Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love”—Ephesians 4:15-16.

Are we truth tellers? Are we willing to tell the truth or keep our promises, even when it hurts? May we rid ourselves of double talk, evil speech, gossip, and slander and may God use our words for His glory and may they be used to build up, not tear down. May the praises of God be forever upon our lips and may His name be the name by which we speak—for His glory and our joy. Amen.