Proverbs 12:18

"There is that speaks like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health."

Reflection

This verse tells us that while getting along with others, everything we said should not harm others but edify them. In daily life, when others are sad for hardships, failure or setbacks at work, what they most want is our comfort and support. If our words are rash ones like sword thrusts as described in this verse, instead of comforting and helping others, we will cause them greater pain. If we blindly lecture others, they will become weaker. But instead, those who understand the truth are possessed of wisdom. They don’t rely on hot blood to treat others, but first understand others’ difficulties and help others with a loving heart.

Share a passage of God’s words: “When one of your brothers and sisters is weak, you will not loathe them, despise them, make fun of them, or give them the cold shoulder. If you are able to be of service to them, you will commune with them and say, ‘I used to be passive and weak. I really did not want to attend an assembly, but something happened through which God enlightened me inside and disciplined me; I was reproached inside, I was so ashamed, and I always felt sorry toward God. Afterward, I dedicated myself to the life of the church, and the more I engaged with my brothers and sisters, the more I felt I couldn’t do without God. When I was with them I didn’t feel lonely; when I was shut in a room by myself I felt lonely and friendless, I felt that my life was empty, and my thoughts turned to death. Now that I was with my brothers and sisters, Satan did not dare to do its work, and I did not feel lonely. When I saw how strong the love for God of my brothers and sisters was, I was inspired, and so I was always with my brothers and sisters, and my passive state naturally disappeared.’ Hearing this, they feel that it is useless to pray at home, they still feel that there is no love between their brothers and sisters, that their life is empty, that they have no one to rely upon, and that it’s not enough to merely pray. If you commune with them this way, then they will have a path by which to practice.”

Extended Reading:

Bible Verses About Loving Your Neighbor as Yourself