PROVERBS 12: THE POWER OF SPEAKING GOD'S WORD

Proverbs 12 includes several verses regarding how we speak. One promise we find for those who speak wisely (in agreement with God’s Word) is that their tongue will bring healing (v. 18). If we ponder this, we realize we can apply it in many different ways. Our words can bring healing to broken relationships, they can comfort and bring healing to those who have wounded souls, and I believe that words can even bring physical healing to those whose bodies are sick.

Proverbs 16:24 says, Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. Many sick people make the mistake of speaking only about their fear regarding their illness, but we can declare that Christ is our Healer and that He is working in us every day (Philippians 2:13; 1 Peter 2:24). Proverbs 17:22 says, A cheerful heart is good medicine, so speaking happy, positive words can be very healing and helpful to those who are ill.

Studies have shown that the more positive a sick person is, the more likely they are to get well. Foolish people talk too much and revel in telling others what they know, but prudent people keep their knowledge to themselves (v. 23).

A friend of mine was married to a very intelligent man who tended to be rather quiet. One time after a gathering where people were discussing and debating a specific subject that he happened to know a lot about, his wife asked him why he didn’t tell everyone what he knew. His answer was brilliant. He said, “Because I already know what I know. I was listening to see if I could learn anything else.” Now that is a wise man!