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

God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'The Gift' (Ac. 2:38-39)
"And Peter said to [the crowd on Pentecost], "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will...."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Nothing Will Be Lost' (1 Co. 15:58)
"Dear Father, Thank you for the assurance that my work for you will never be lost. The Lord Jesus promised that even a cup of cold water given in his...."
Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
Proverbs 16:24
"Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones."
Today's Verse
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
Proverbs 31:30
"Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised."

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