“From the fruit of his lips a man is filled with good things as surely as the work of his hands rewards him.” (Proverbs 12:14)
When your working life consists of part-time jobs, it’s all about the hours. My friend T. works three jobs; he wants all the hours he can get his hands on. He’s got car insurance, and he’s saving for a truck. The math is easy: More hours = more dollars.
Today’s proverb builds a bridge between work and words. Working hours brings cash rewards. Working at speaking good words brings a payoff, too, though it’s not always as obvious and sometimes it’s even harder than pulling another shift.
Kind words. Wise words. Timely words. Right words. Prayerful words. Worthless words left unsaid. They all contribute to better relationships, problem solving, contentment, leadership and – surprise! – communication. Good words payoff in a richer life.
Think: How have the words you’ve spoken this week hurt or benefited your life? How could choosing wiser or more encouraging words in the week ahead payoff in a real improvement in a key relationship?
Pray: Ask God to help the words you say to be beneficial to him, to others who hear you, and to yourself, as well.
Do: Listen this week for words from others that either cost them something good or provide something good for them or someone else.