As the Day Begins
Can you ever remember a time when you regretted having said a kind word? Most of us can recall moments when we wished we had spoken differently—too sharply, too quickly, or too defensively—but it is far more difficult to remember a moment when kindness itself caused regret. Scripture understands this human reality well and speaks directly into it. “There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing” (Proverbs 12:18, ESV). The Hebrew word translated “rash” is בּוֹטֶה (boteh), carrying the sense of careless or reckless speech, while “healing” comes from מַרְפֵּא (marpēʾ), a word associated with restoration and medicine. From the beginning of the day, God invites us to consider what kind of speech we will carry into the lives of others.
Kind words are rarely dramatic, yet they are quietly transformative. Like a steady rain rather than a sudden storm, they shape the landscape of relationships over time. The book of Proverbs repeatedly ties wisdom to restraint of speech, not because silence is always virtuous, but because words carry moral weight. When Paul exhorts the church, “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up” (Ephesians 4:29), he uses the Greek word σαπρός (sapros) for “corrupting,” a term used for rotting fruit or spoiled fish. Words can decay a soul, but they can also strengthen it. A kind word, offered sincerely, participates in God’s own creative work of sustaining life.
As you begin this day, consider how kindness in speech is not weakness but disciplined strength. In pastoral counseling and everyday ministry, it is often not the brilliance of advice that people remember, but the tone in which it was delivered. A gentle word at the right moment can disarm fear, soften anger, and reopen doors that seemed closed. Jesus Himself embodied this wisdom. Though He spoke with authority, His words consistently restored dignity to the broken and hope to the weary. Kindness does not deny truth; it carries truth in a way the heart can receive. When we choose such speech, we reflect the character of the God who spoke light into darkness and still speaks life into fragile hearts today.
Triune Prayer
Heavenly Father, as this day begins, I thank You for the gift of language and the sacred responsibility that comes with it. You spoke creation into being, and by Your word all things hold together. Shape my heart so that my words today are not careless or reactive, but measured and loving. Guard me from speech that wounds or diminishes others, even when I am tired or misunderstood. Give me wisdom to know when to speak and when to remain silent, trusting that kindness offered in Your name is never wasted.
Jesus the Son, I am grateful for Your example of gracious truth. You spoke words that healed, corrected, and restored without crushing the weak. Teach me to follow You in my conversations, especially in moments of tension or disagreement. When I am tempted to defend myself rather than love others, remind me of Your gentleness and humility. Let my words echo Your compassion, so that those I encounter today may sense Your presence through the way I speak.
Holy Spirit, I invite Your guidance over my tongue and my thoughts. Prompt me when a kind word is needed and restrain me when silence would be wiser. Fill me with patience and attentiveness, so that my speech flows from a heart aligned with God’s purposes. Bear Your fruit within me—especially kindness and self-control—so that my words become instruments of peace rather than conflict. I remain open to Your leading throughout this day.
Thought for the Day
Before speaking today, pause and ask whether your words will heal or harm. Choose kindness, knowing it is one decision you are unlikely to regret.
Thank you for beginning your day in God’s presence. May your words today reflect His grace and wisdom.
For further reflection on the power of speech in the Christian life, see this helpful article from Crosswalk:
https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/spiritual-life/the-power-of-words-in-the-bible.html
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