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
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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.

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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.
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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.

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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.

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