A Tree of Life
A gentle tongue is a tree of life. (Proverbs 15:4)
Prov. 15:1-4; Ps. 37:30 and 39:1-3; Mal. 2:5-7; Jas 1:26 and 3:1-6; Col. 4:6; Rev. 14:5
What Is God Saying?
This brief reference to the tongue in Proverbs often goes unnoticed. So many people take up the refrain from James, who, with good reason, refers to the tongue as destructive, a spark that sets a forest ablaze. (Jas. 3:5) But we turn our attention to the tongue as an instrument for good. A soft answer turns away wrath. (Prov. 15:1) A gentle tongue is a tree of life offering shade to the weary and fruit to the hungry. (Prov. 15:4)
How Does This Apply To Us?
When others hear our speech, do they think of a bush with thorns or a tree with fruit and leaves? Do they think of a tumbleweed that rolls carelessly across the plains, or do they see a tree planted by a river, drawing and sharing life? Our speech can do great harm. It can also be a source of blessing. It's up to us.
Pray With Me
Give me a gentle tongue, O Lord, and a heart hidden with Christ in God. Help me express your love to others and for others.
Give me a gentle tongue, O Lord. Let my words be dependable. Let my words be steadfast and strong.
Give me a gentle tongue, O Lord. Let my conversation be a shelter. Let me welcome the lonely and provide a place of peace where friends and strangers meet.
Give me a gentle tongue, O Lord. Guard me from careless words that unsettle the faith of another. Give me words that bring hope to the discouraged, healing to the sick, and joy to those downcast in spirit.
Give me a gentle tongue to speak with courage, truth, and love. Then my tongue will be a tree of life, a blessing to others, and a glory to God.
For the sake of Him who said, By this, my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit. Amen.
Moving On In The Life of Prayer
In prayer, we often listen in the quiet of our reflections. Aided by the spirit, we speak with sighs too deep for words. (Rom. 8:26) But prayer motivates us to think about what it means to speak out loud. In your speech, be a tree of life.
