MAY 10 - The Power of Thoughtful Words

3-Year-Bible Reading: Proverbs 15:28-29; 1 Corinthians 13

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“The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things. The Lord is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous.” —Proverbs 15:28-29 (ESV)

“If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.” —1 Corinthians 13:1-2 (ESV)

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Words are powerful. They can build someone up or tear them down. Have you ever said something without thinking and immediately regretted it? Maybe it was a comment you thought was funny but hurt someone, or you spoke in anger without considering how it would affect the other person.

Proverbs 15:28-29 shows us that the righteous person thinks carefully before speaking, while the wicked just let harmful words fly. What’s inside of us—our hearts—determines what comes out of our mouths.

In 1 Corinthians 13, Paul challenges us to understand that love is the true power behind our words and actions. Without love, even the most impressive speech or talents are meaningless. No matter how great your skills, knowledge, or faith might be, without love, it’s like being a noisy distraction—like a clanging cymbal that just annoys everyone around you.

Paul reminds us that the heart matters. Just as Proverbs teaches us to think carefully before speaking, Paul teaches that love is the driving force behind everything we do. We can be the most gifted person, but without love, those gifts will not make a lasting impact.

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THINK ABOUT IT

1. Words with Impact: Proverbs tells us that the righteous think before speaking, and God listens to their prayers. How can you be more thoughtful with your words today?

2. Love Over Everything: In 1 Corinthians 13, Paul says love is the most important thing. Think about a time you acted in love, even when it was hard. How did that affect others around you?

3. What’s Inside Comes Out: Our words reflect what’s going on inside. Do you ever find yourself saying things you regret? How can you start to fill your heart with love and wisdom so that your words reflect that?

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BOTTOM LINE

Our words have the power to build up or break down. Love should be the foundation of everything we say. If we speak with love in our hearts, our words can encourage, heal, and lift others up. Let’s take a moment today to think before we speak and make sure our words reflect the love that God has shown us.

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PRAYER

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the gift of speech and for the power of words. Help me to be thoughtful in what I say and to let love guide my conversations. Please fill my heart with love so that I can speak words that bring encouragement and peace. Help me to reflect Your love in everything I do. In Jesus' Name, Amen.