Prayer that your words will become the tree of life
By Vivian Bricker
Bible Reading:
“The soothing tongue is the tree of life, but the perverse tongue crushes the spirit.” – Proverb 15:4
Listen or read:
When I was a child, my mother would talk about the importance of my siblings and our words. We didn’t use words to hurt each other or say mean things. These same rules were applied inside the house and when we were in public or in school. My mother did an amazing job of helping my siblings and I understood how our words can really help others and how they tear someone apart.
As I grew older, I brought my mother’s teachings closer to my heart. Even if anger rises within me, I will be slowed down and beware of my words. I was confused a few times, but these times motivated me to pay more attention to my words. When hatred or angry words slip away and hurt someone else, it can make you feel bad.
I felt it would make me feel better if I thought someone was “back” because I hurt me, but it made me feel bad. Since these occasions I have not wanted to say anything bad about others. This is why I continue to follow what my mother taught me and try to keep my thoughts processing rather than spending time speeding up my thoughts and saying things I regret.
I was also on the other side of the spectrum where people were using their words to hurt me. Throughout middle school, I was called a mound of bullied and insulting remarks. Both the teachers and students called me “silly”, “ugh,” and “fat.” None of these words helped me. It caused depression, anxiety and loss of appetite, and it sparked my life. Even today, as an adult, I still think about what these kids said.
Maybe you’re dealing with something similar. Most of us use our words to hurt others, and at some point others have hurt us with our own words. The good news is that we can change our way of doing things and start treating others kindly. This may mean dealing with our wrath and talking about the issues with God in advance. I find this particularly useful as I rely on God’s strength, not on myself.
The Bible says, “The soothing tongue is the tree of life, but the perverse tongue crushes the spirit” (Proverbs 15:4). As this wise proverb says, the soothing tongue is the tree of life. If we use our words to raise others, support them, and bring them to life, it will help them thrive. But the perverse tongue crushes their spirits.
As followers, we need to ensure that the tongue is used as a tree of life in place of objects to cause harm to others. This seems to use our words for kindness, love and support. If someone is mean to us, we should not retaliate. As Paul says, “Do not repay evil for evil; be careful to do the right thing in everyone’s eyes” (Romans 12:17).
Think about what this will look like in your life. Yes, it becomes a struggle, but it is not a struggle you have to face alone. Jesus wants to help ensure that your words are full of life-giving kindness, support and love. He will equip you with what you need to turn your words into a tree of life. Lean on him, find hope in him, and allow him to lead you in your path.
It may take a little time to trial and error, but Jesus helps you develop a soothing tongue. By default, most of us have a perverse tongue. Many of us are even taught to develop a growing harmful tongue. If we are taught according to this teaching, we need to ask him to entrust our lives to Jesus and help us follow him. Even old teachings can be transformed by Jesus, and become something new.
Let’s pray:
Dear Jesus, I ask you to help my tongue soothe and help others the Tree of Life. I don’t want to have evil or evil tongues just to defeat others. I have admitted to having struggled with this in the past and have seen the damage that can be done to others. I hurt others with my own words and I hurt them. Help us develop a tongue that speaks only words of love, wisdom and hope. I know I struggle sometimes, but I find hope in your strength. You are my wonderful savior and help my tongue become the source of life that it should be. I will no longer walk the path of darkness. Lord, thank you for always listening to me. Amen.
Photo Credit: ©getTyimages/kevron2001
Vivian Bricker received his Bachelor of Mission and a Master of Arts with a focus on theology. She loves theology, mission work, and everything that helps others learn about Jesus. Find out more about her content on Cultivate: https://cultivatechristianity.wordpress.com/.
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