Ready:
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” —Приповісті 18:21
Set:
I had a high school basketball coach who was very sarcastic. Rather than directly addressing an area where improvement was needed in us, he often used sarcasm to point to our deficiencies. Sometimes what he said to my teammates and me could be funny. At other times, however, his sarcastic comments just felt cutting and even demeaning. Over time, this undermined our confidence, causing us to play worse, not better. Our coach may have thought he was being effective in making his point, but in reality the words he used were not wise. They had the opposite effect he intended.
According to the Bible, true wisdom is understanding how to apply God’s Word in everyday situations—including how we use our tongue. As Proverbs 18:21 articulates, what we say has the power to be either life-draining or life-giving. In Ephesians 4:29 we’re told, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Whether in the context of competition or other areas, we honor the Lord when what we say is life-giving rather than damaging to the recipient. We speak wisely when our words add value to those listening.
Part of adding value is making sure what we speak is true. When trying to gain an advantage or avoid discomfort, it can be tempting to say something that’s not fully truthful. Приповісті 12emphasizes the dangers of speaking deceitfully and the rewards of always speaking what is true:
“Whoever speaks the truth declares what is right, but a false witness speaks deceit.” (v. 17)
“Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue, only a moment.” (v. 19)
“Lying lips are detestable to the Lord, but faithful people are his delight.” (v. 22)
We want our teammates or those we coach to be able to trust us and what we say. This happens as we speak what is true. Always do so, though, with love and grace. Tucked within these verses in Proverbs 12 is guidance for making sure that what we say is both true and beneficial (v. 18): “There is one who speaks rashly, like a piercing sword; but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”
Being a wise competitor involves using our tongue to bring life to others, not death. We want what we say to glorify God through adding value to those listening.
Go:
In what areas do you need to grow in speaking words that are life-giving rather than damaging?
How can you make sure what you say is both truthful and gracious?
Workout:
Overtime:
“Lord, I praise You because Your words are true and Your words give me life. I pray that I would speak what is wise and builds others up. I want my words to honor You and to be life-giving to others. Amen.”