(Prov 26:18&19 NLT) Just as damaging as a madman shooting a deadly weapon is someone who lies to a friend and then says, “I was only joking.”
This morning we continue our series entitled, “Unlocking the Power of Proverbs – Walking in the Wisdom of God.” The person Solomon describes here is wrong on many levels. First of all, the person was deceptive and flat-out lied to his or her friend. Secondly, the lie was hurtful and the friend felt the pain. Without question the hurt was caused on purpose, but the since the person who made the statement was not a person of character or integrity, they quickly attempt to turn the entire thing into a joke. The problem is that the person’s friend knew it was not a joke and the damage had already been done. At best, this is humor in bad taste, but at worst this is deceptive, hurtful, conniving, and devioius activity performed by a person towards someone who considers them a friend.
Solomon characterizes this activity as similar to a madman shooting a deadly weapon. In both cases irreparable damage can be done by a person who is not carefully considering the severity of their actions. Now, you may be thinking, “What a minute Rick. Why would Solomon compare mere words to a deadly weapon?” The answer is simple, because the tongue can be as deadly and damaging. The old adage, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me,” may have works for the playground, but it definitely does not work in real life. Back in chapter 15 Solomon said, “Kind words heal and help; cutting words wound and maim” (15:4 ). Without question, we can provide great help or cause great hurt with our lips.
In Paul’s letter to the church at Ephesus he said, “Imitate God, since you are the children he loves. Live in love as Christ also loved us. He gave his life for us as an offering and sacrifice, a soothing aroma to God. Don’t let sexual sin, perversion of any kind, or greed even be mentioned among you. This is not appropriate behavior for God’s holy people. It’s not right that dirty stories, foolish talk, or obscene jokes should be mentioned among you either. Instead, give thanks to God” (Eph 5:1-4). In the same breath Paul mentions the things that come out of our mouths with sexual sin, perversion and greed. In the previous chapter Paul said, “Don’t say anything that would hurt another person. Instead, speak only what is good so that you can give help wherever it is needed” (4:29).
So what does this mean to you today? A few things:
1. Speak the truth in love. Never willfully deceive anyone, especially not a friend.
2. When caught in error, acknowledge it and repent. After being caught in an error, to then attempt to get out of it by saying that you were just joking will only make matters worse. Admit you were wrong, seek to make amends, and repent (turn) from the error of your ways.
3. Use your words to bless and not to curse. Your tongue can yield tremendous power, use that power wisely.
4. Seek to BE a blessing every day. Most believers want God to bless them, but the purpose of God blessing us is SO THAT we can turn around and BE a blessing to others. So seek to help (not hurt), to bless (not curse), to build up (not tear down) every day… and start right now!
Closing Confession: Father, I thank You for blessing me to enjoy life and to have a great sense of humor. I will not be distasteful with my humor and I will not allow my words to cause hurt and intentional damage. I speak the truth in love daily. I look my friends in the eye and I say what I mean, and mean what I say. I refrain from all deceptive and destructive behavior. And if I am ever caught in error, I will not make matters worse, digging the hole deeper, by lying about what I did. Instead I quickly acknowledge the error of my ways, I seek forgiveness, I repent, and I seek to do better. I understand the power of the tongue and I will use that power for good daily. You have blessed me greatly and as I enter this day I declare, by faith, that I shall BE a blessing to every person I come in contact with. Every meeting, conversation and activity I engage in today is blessed and I shall be an agent of positive change! In Jesus’ name. Amen!
This is Today’s Word! Apply it and Prosper!
