Title
We Are in the Construction Business
Scripture
There is one who speaks like the piercing of a sword, but the tongue of the wise promotes health.
(Proverbs 12:18)
Devotional
You do not necessarily have to tear down before you can build-up. Edification always builds. Speaking correction seldom entails curt, sharp words. Proverbs furthermore says that, “A gentle tongue breaks the bone.” (1) And, “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” (2) We are not in the demolition business. We are in the construction business. We are builders, not destroyers.
Do your words always cut and injure, or do they promote health? If there is to be any cutting, let the Word of God do it, not you. Degrading and insulting does not encourage or edify. These things only destroy and weaken. If you find yourself always tearing down, you most likely are weakly attempting to build yourself up. We mistakenly think that if we belittle another, we edify ourselves. No, you simply degrade both yourself and the other person. Therefore, speak words of encouragement. Speak words that build. Speak words that promote health.
(1) Proverbs 25:15, (2) Proverbs 15:1