Can We Keep Our Honor?, Pt 4 - No. 78
Proverbs 15:1, “A soft answer turns away wrath, but grievous words stir up anger.”
Today we look at the last of the 5 Ms regarding graciousness in a woman. The most revealing of all is…
5) Our Mouth
This is where we make it or break it, keep it or lose it! Every time we open our mouth we reveal our graciousness or we downgrade the dignity of womanhood. There is nothing more unattractive than observing a mother shouting at her children in a supermarket. There is nothing more hideous than seeing a wife stand up to her husband.
It was recorded of Jesus, “All bare him witness and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth.” (Luke 4:22) They marveled, because they were not used to such words. The Greek word for ‘gracious’, which is used here, is ‘charis’. It pictures God’s salvation for us. It speaks of a favor done without expectation of return. It portrays God’s loving-kindness to sinners. What is His motive? It is His freehearted love to us who do not deserve it.
When Jesus returned to His Father, He sent the Holy Spirit to indwell us, so that His life could be revealed in us on earth. When we are born again, Jesus Christ comes to live in us by His Spirit and He wants to continue to speak His gracious words through us. We speak these words even when the listener doesn’t deserve them. Has your husband been nasty to you? Shouted at you? Instead of shouting back, answer with soft and tender words. Did you know that a soft tongue can break the bone? The Bible tells us this in Proverbs 25:15. Do you feel your husband’s heart is like granite? Keep speaking soft words. They have the power to break the hardest stone. Harsh angry words will not bring your honor, but gracious words will.
Are the children driving you crazy? Respond with firm but loving words. Has someone been hurtful to you? Retaliate with kind words. Give them words of blessing, not because they deserve it, but because the grace of God fills your heart and pours from your lips.
Ephesians 4:29 commands us that all our words should “impart grace to those who hear.” And we are reminded again in Colossians 4:6, “Let your speech always be gracious.” That word ‘always’ means not only in public when we try to make a good impression but also inside the walls of our home.
The testimony of the Above Rubies woman is that “She opens her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.” (Proverbs 31:26) This is truly our greatest mark of graciousness. When we open our mouth, we retain or lose our honor.
Love from NANCY CAMPBELL
PRAYER:
“Oh God, please touch my lips with fire from off your altar. Cleanse my lips. Help me to open my mouth with graciousness, especially towards my husband and my children. Oh please save me from the habit of speaking harsh and critical words. Fill me with your Holy Spirit and touch my lips that it will be come a habit to speak kind and gracious words, in my home and to all I meet. Thank you, Lord. Amen.”
AFFIRMATION:
The music that can deepest reach,
And cure all ill, is cordial speech.
-Ralph Waldo Emerson