Topic: Ecclesiastes 12:11
"The words of the wise are like prodding goads and firmly fixed in the mind like nails" (Ecclesiastes 12:11).
Some years ago in Yugoslavia, an altar boy dropped the chalice of wine. The priest shouted at the boy, "You clumsy, good-for-nothing. Get out of my sight." Humiliated and discouraged, the altar boy fled from the church and never entered it again. Many years later he became a powerful communist leader. President Tito was his name.
An altar boy in England also dropped the chalice of wine. As it lay shattered on the floor, the boy was mortified. The priest turned to the boy and said, "Never mind. One day you'll be in my position." The boy's strained face relaxed. He resolved to be more careful in the future. Years later this boy became the Archbishop of England. His name? Fulton John Sheen.
What made the difference? A few words and how they were spoken.
Our words have a powerful influence to imprison or to inspire, to act like goads prodding people on in different directions. Today let us speak words of faith and encouragement, not fear and condemnation.
~Father, may the words of my mouth bring pleasure to you and bring encouragement and hope to all whom I come in contact with today. Amen.
Do you pay attention to the words coming from your mouth? Think of one person who you may need to speak more kindly to today. Are you willing?
by Helen Leschied
