April 5

Reckless Words, Healing Words

Today’s Scripture Readings: 

Psalm 48:9-14 | Deuteronomy 28:1-68 | Luke 11:14-36 | Proverbs 12:18

Today’s Scripture Focus: Proverbs 12:18

“The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing” (Proverbs 12:18 NIV).

The Proverbs are filled with wisdom regarding our words. This one is particularly insightful. Reckless words pierce and wound like swords. Wise words bring healing.

Reckless words come easily: When we’re tired; when we’re stressed; when we are caught off guard by the comments of another. As easy as they are to say, they are very difficult to take back. 

The wound of a sword doesn’t heal in a day. Neither do wounding words. It usually takes time—and more than that—it requires releasing forgiveness to the one who has wounded you. Further, healing is aided by words of affirmation and encouragement.

For some reason, we tend to hold onto reckless words that have wounded us. They are difficult to forget. Worse, they often cause us to retaliate with another set of reckless words. The battle of words—back and forth—cuts, wounds and, ultimately, destroys relationships. Such is the wounding power of reckless words.

Words also have the power to heal. Encouraging, affirming words of a friend are salve to the wounds left by reckless words. Wise words from a godly counselor can likewise have healing power. Wisdom and insight that brings affirming words through prayer by a seasoned, wise prayer warrior can bring deep healing to a soul wounded by reckless words.

In a world of reckless words, we do well to ask God to train our tongues to speak wise healing words rather than words that wound. When wounded we are wise to find the healing that comes through taking our hurt to Jesus who was wounded for our healing and who is able to strengthen our hearts to forgive so that we might find healing.

Heavenly Father, forgive us of our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. In particular, forgive us for wounding others with our tongue, and give us the strength to release forgiveness to those who have wounded us. Replace words that wound with words that bless and heal. Enable me to bring healing to the wounded through prayer and blessing. Amen.