Proverbs 10 -- The Words We Use

In this morning's sidebar, Max Lucado is actually addressing careless words and insensitive slurs that people often think little of, but which do a tremendous amount of hurt.  He says they are the result of egotism, which leads to disregard, disrespect, and disappointment.  Among the weapons Satan uses to cause the hurt are gossip, accusations, resentment, and impatience.  Max said, "God's word has strong medicine for those who carelessly wag their tongues.  The message is clear:  He who dares to call himself God's ambassador is not afforded the luxury of idle words."

In applying this to our lives, it says, "Evaluate the words you have spoken in the past week.  What statements have been sinful or harmful?  Did your words build up or tear down?  Were they critical?  Were they vulgar?  If so, ask for God's forgiveness and seek the forgiveness of anyone you have offended.  Ask for God's help to use words wisely."

As I noted up front, Max was talking about snide comments, cruel jokes, slurs, etc.  But I'm having to deal with this on a different level.  Progress reports from different classes at school began coming home this week, and several grades were less than acceptable.  When I inquired as to what was the problem, the answer was equally unacceptable - "I don't know."  Before the night was over, tears had been shed and reprimands and threats of loss of privileges had been given and no one felt like praying.  To top it off, more grade alerts arrived by email this morning.  All of Solomon's wise words about foolish men and laziness made tempting targets this morning.  His warnings about saying too much stuck out as well.  Yet sometimes things take time.  This morning, God seems to be saying, "This one will be a battle.  But here are your rules of engagement."  He seems to want to make certain that when all this is resolved my boys and I will still be friends.  I do, too.

Father, help me to fight this battle WITH my sons and not against them.  Give me wisdom and understanding and discernment.  Help us to fix the problem and not the blame.

Your Brother In Christ,

Gary Ford