Time spent in the book of Proverbs is always time well spent, the familiar passages deliver a new truth with each read.
“She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instruction with kindness.”
(Proverbs 31:25-26, NLT)
The Proverbs 31 woman gets me every time and this time was no different.
The words we speak each day, whether to others or to ourselves, matter. They truly do.
The wise woman will ask herself these questions:
- How am I clothed?
- Am I marked by strength and dignity?
- Are my words wise?
- Is my instruction kind?
The commentary in my Bible adds this thought:
“She gives advice in a winsome way.”
(from the NLT Study Bible)
“Winsome” is not a word often used. It is defined as “sweetly, innocently charming, engaging” (dictionary.com).
The definitions had me at “engaging”. If my (our) words are winsome, they will engage others, they will draw them in and not turn them away or off.
I want to be winsome. More so, I want others to think of my words, drawing them to Jesus not turning them away from Him.
The NKJV puts it this way:
“And on her tongue is the law of kindness.”
The law of kindness. A kind heart is displayed through the words we speak. The kind words we speak will be on display in our facial expressions as well. It is a law of kindness in that, we govern or rule ourselves by it. By the way we speak and our mannerisms, others will come to learn the law of kindness as well.
I’m praying this morning and asking Him to do this in me, in each of us. Make us winsome. May we be innocent and sweet in our speech, engaging those around us and leaving them glad to have been with us.
“May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.” (Psalm 19:14, NLT)
Today I am joining … #DreamTogether and Moments of Hope and Soul Survival and Inspire Me Monday .
I just ordered Liz Curtis Higgs’ book of 31 Proverbs study. I’m hoping it will include this one — I need to be more winsome with my words, for sure!
Your NC friend wrote a book about Proverbs too. 31 Days in Proverbs – WISDOM 101. Just thought I’d tell you. (((LOL)))
I LOVE the word winsome! And I love it even more that my words should be winsome–I’m going to strive to do that (all too often, I let me words act like a ton of bricks instead).
Dear Joanne, oh, I need this encouragement as I begin to prepare my heart for returning to school. Daily, bureaucracy threatens to overturn what is best for my students who desperately need all the help they can get. I am ashamed to admit that all too often my frustration with the system spills over into less than winsome instruction. Thank you for the reminder that God wants to infiltrate every part of our lives.
“And on her tongue is the law of kindness.†– I love how that version puts it. It makes such difference if kindness is what rules us and that comes out in our words and interactions.
Winsome words you wrote with today! Lovely thoughts here.
Kindness is more and more appreciated as I get older. And, being kind? Critically important. Winsome – doubtful I am but would like to be!