Wednesday, September 12, 2007

Healing Rash

Proverbs 12:18
18There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
  • How can words be like sword thrusts?
  • What is the difference between rash words and wise words?
  • What does it take to speak healing words?
  • Which is more common from you: stabs or healing?
Harold's Musings:
WayneW commented yesterday about "sharpening the tongue". Such a powerful image, especially in light of this passage. The purpose of a sharp tongue is seldom (if ever) to heal. I was reading last night some things to not say when helping people who are in a crisis. Some are things that would never think to be a problem. It takes time and wisdom to select and apply healing words. I suspect that we spend more time thinking about slashing each other than we do about binding each others wounds. Rash word thrusts are generally defensive, motivated by a desire to protect our self. Healing words are about the other person, an act of selflessness. So what are you planning to carry today: a word sword or a word first-aid kit.?

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