I’ve taught my daughters a great deal regarding the power of words. Words are never neutral; they either harm or heal. One of the greatest lies ever told to us is that “sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” Can’t we all agree that words can, in fact, be incredibly hurtful?!?

So, I love that the father in Proverbs 6 teaches his son how to respond when he hurts someone else with his words.

“If you are snared in the words of your mouth, caught in the words of your mouth…” (verse 2)

Haven’t we all been trapped by our own mouths? Ensnared by our own words? One of the scariest verses for believers is Matthew 12:36.

“I tell you, on the day of judgement people will give account for every careless word they speak.”

Think about that for a minute.

So, this dad tells his son, if you get caught by your own words, “do this…and save yourself.” (Verse 3)

He says to go and plead with the person he has offended or hurt. Making peace with that person is so important that he tells his son to not even allow himself to sleep until peace has been made.

Father, help us to use our words wisely and, when we speak carelessly, to make amends quickly.

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