“Thoughtless (madqârâh: thrusting, stabbing, piercing words, spoken to harm) words CUT LIKE A SWORD. But the tongue of wise people brings healing.” (Proverbs 12:18)
Unkind words can pierce the heart like swords. Malicious remarks, gossip, undue criticism, cursing, name-calling, and false accusations HURT PEOPLE, and should NOT BE SPOKEN BY BELIEVERS. “Let your speech always BE WITH GRACE, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.” (Colossians 4:6)
Why is this so important? The Sadducees were silenced by Jesus, “…the Pharisees got together. One of them, an expert in the law, tested Him with this question: “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “‘LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD with ALL your HEART, SOUL and MIND.’ This is the FIRST and GREATEST COMMANDMENT. And the second is like it: ‘LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets HANG (kremannumi: to suspend something) on these two commandments.” (Matthew 22:34-40)
If a person’s heart is filled with hatred, it would be very difficult to WILLINGLY OBEY THE LORD at all. Besides that, you will also be disobedient to God’s commandment which is sin. “…if you WILL NOT LISTEN TO ME and WILL NOT DO all THESE COMMANDMENTS, then I will discipline you again sevenfold FOR YOUR SINS,” (Leviticus 26:14, 18) “…if you faithfully obey the voice of the LORD your God, being careful TO DO ALL HIS COMMANDMENTS that I command you today, the LORD your God will SET YOU HIGH ABOVE all the nations of the earth.” (Deuteronomy 28:1)
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham