Together in Christ: 'The Power of an Encouraging Word' — Proverbs 12:25

Sunday, August 16, 2026

Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up.
— Proverbs 12:25 NLT

Key Thought

Given all the sensitivity to different labels, identifiers, and politically correct language in vogue today, we can easily overthink the best way to bless people. Isn't it refreshing to remember God's simple relational truth for us in today's verse? Share an encouraging word. That encouraging word can be a blessing that cheers the anxious, encourages the disappointed, and comforts the downhearted. And, because the New Testament writers repeatedly urged disciples to encourage each other, [1] we know God is at work to give us an appropriate encouraging word in whatever situation we are. [2] We can share our hope and our encouraging words with gentleness and respect [3] and trust that God will use our words to bring others a blessing!

[1] 2 Corinthians 13:11; Ephesians 4:29; 1 Thessalonians 4:18, 5:11; Hebrews 10:25.
[2] Mark 13:11; Luke 12:11-12; 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21, 3:15-16.
[3] 1 Peter 3:15-16.

Today's Prayer

Father, I need Your help and Your wisdom to listen to those around me and have the ability to offer them an encouraging word. You have blessed me so richly, Father, so please use me to be a blessing. I ask this in Jesus' name and to share my hope in Jesus with others. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

1 Related Resource by Heartlight

Anxious Hearts
Article by Paul Faulkner
What are you worried about? Most of what we worry about never happens; so let's trust the future to the Lord.

Illustration

Illustration of Proverbs 12:25 NLT — Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Sunday, August 16, 2026

Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'Savagery and Solidarity' (Acts 8:1-4)
"Saul was one of the witnesses, and he agreed completely with the killing of Stephen. A great wave of persecution began that day, sweeping over....."
What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'Leftovers!' (Jn. 6:12-13)
"After everyone [in the crowd of more than 5,000 people] was full, Jesus told his disciples, "Now gather the leftovers, so that nothing is wasted." So...."
Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
Proverbs 10:12
"Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers over all wrongs."
A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'Words of Hope and Peace'
"Dear Faithful Follower, I spoke the words you will read in the verses below before I went to the cross. I planted them like seeds into the hearts of...."

About This Devotional

Together in Christ is a daily devotional that focuses on what Scripture teaches about godly living in relationships.

'Together in Christ' is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More Together in Christ