Today's Verse: Proverbs 11:12

Friday, November 12, 2004

A man who lacks judgment derides his neighbor, but a man of understanding holds his tongue.
— Proverbs 11:12
Now you can listen to Today's Verse on iTunes, Spotify, Echo devices, and more!

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Wise folks don't have to prove their wisdom by disrespecting others and putting them down while belittling them. Instead, godly and wise people hold their tongues and let their lives speak what is good, honorable, righteous, loving, and genuine. Our world is full of cynical sarcasm. Our culture overly rewards people who are quick with belittling and unwholesome quips - those quick and razor-sharp "put-downs" so often in TV sit-coms and on social media. As people of God and followers of Jesus, we are called to redeem others through what we say and bring a blessing with our words (Ephesians 4:29).

My Prayer...

Holy Father, I ask for your wisdom, patience, and kindness so I can use my speech to bless others and praise you. Please, Father, pour the Holy Spirit into my heart in a fresh way when I am tempted to use my words to hurt, belittle, and insult others. I don't want to do those things, so I ask for the Spirit's help. In Jesus' name, I ask for your help to be more gracious and loving as I speak with others. Amen.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

2 Related Resources by Heartlight

Wise Silence
Illustration of Proverbs 11:12
Inspirational illustration of Proverbs 11:12 -- 12 A man who lacks judgment derides his neighbor, but a man of understanding holds his tongue.
Living as Upright Citizens
Devo: Together in Christ
"Upright citizens are good for a city and make it prosper, but the talk of the wicked tears it apart. It is foolish to belittle one's neighbor; a..."

Illustration

Illustration of Proverbs 11:12 — A man who lacks judgment derides his neighbor, but a man of understanding holds his tongue.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Friday, November 12, 2004

Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'God Is Your Guard' (Ps. 139:4-6)
"You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord. You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. Such knowledge..."
Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'Out of Your Dark Cell' (Ps. 107:10-15)
"Some of you were locked in a dark cell, cruelly confined behind bars... not a soul in sight to help. Then you called out to GOD in your desperate..."
What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'Standards Are Not Forgotten' (Mt. 22:11-14)
"[Jesus concluded his parable:] "But when the king came in to meet the guests [at the wedding feast for his son], he noticed a man who wasn't wearing....."
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'Useful Because of the Spirit' (2 Ti. 3:16-17)
"Every part of Scripture is God-breathed [Spirit-inspired] and useful one way or another — showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our..."

About This Devotional

Today's Verse is a free daily devotional that includes a Bible verse, thought and prayer.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

More Today's Verse