Be Concerned about Your Conversation

Pray – (1/2 minute)

Read – (2 1/2 minutes) – “Words from a wise man’s mouth are gracious, but a fool is consumed by his own lips. At the beginning his words are folly; at the end they are wicked madness - and the fool multiplies words. No one knows what is coming - who can tell him what will happen after him?” (Ecclesiastes 10:12-14)
      Passage: Ephesians 4:20-32

         “Sticks and stones can break my bones, but words can never hurt me.” Many of us were taught that saying as children, because ids can be mean in what they say to each other. The reality is that words can hurt. They may not break your bones, but they can crush your heart. The words we speak are like taking a feather pillow and ripping it open outside in the wind. After the feathers come out, they can never all be put back.

Solomon pointed out that a wise person is careful about the words he or she speaks. A fool has no concern. His words are thrown out indiscriminately. He speaks a lot, but he doesn’t say much. His words may be spoken with passion, but they don’t make a positive difference and they can actually cause real harm. Think about the way you communicate and the words you speak. Do they build up, or do they tear down? Do they encourage or do they discourage? In our upside down world, where social media and political discourse races to the bottom of the barrel, be concerned about your own conversations and let your words be those that reflect well on the Lord.

Apply - (2 1/2 minutes)
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Pray - (1 1/2 minutes)