Proverbs 11:14-21
There are so many places in Scripture that warn us about the words we speak. How we say things, what we say, to whom we say them, and the intention of our hearts that motivates what we choose to say are all under scrutiny. Words wound deeply, leave scars, and cause relational rifts.
Words matter because they flow out of the condition of our heart. Solomon speaks to us about concealing our hatred with lies and spreading slander. He seems to be saying that the root of the issue is the hate hidden in our heart. Wisdom dictates not that we pretend that we do not hate, but that we acknowledge our heart is not right and we seek God’s help towards transformation.
This is holiness, not a mediation of our actions, but a God-miracle at the core of our heart. Hatred is part of the arsenal that Satan uses to rip us from life-giving relationship with our Creator, and with one another. How has God’s grace transformed your heart and life?
Author: Teanna Sunburg