Influence

DEVOTION
PROVERBS
INFLUENCE
Prov 10:11
11 The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life,
but violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked.
NIV
Once again I must deal with the contrast between a righteous and wicked person. I am sure God feels very strongly about how I deal with those who I have contact with. He cares greatly about how I live my life and it’s interactions with others. What I have to say is of huge importance to God otherwise he would not repeat this idea over and over again. My words should be ones of encouragement to others. My words should strengthen their lives. What I speak should be to the edification of others, being a fountain of life for them. My words should be like streams that water the ground and make it fruitful. My words should be consoling as to quench the thirst of a weary traveler. All this is good and righteous in the eyes of God and that is my desire, to please my God. I certainly cannot be like those who speak other kinds of words, words of violence. These are the words that conceal the real design of a person. These words may not be outright lies, but surely words of deception, hiding the true intentions of the speaker. These kinds of words are hurtful and do harm to the hearer. I think of the kiss of Judas, how deceptive and violent that actually was. I know the words of my mouth are from the thoughts of my mind and thus it all starts with my attitude. I wonder just how is the attitude of the mind whose words I hear. Only God actually knows the condition of the heart, and the attitude of the mind, but he does gives the gift of discernment so I am also may know if what I hear comes from the mind and mouth of a righteous or wicked man. It sure seems clear to me. I must not be influenced by deceptive words, but rather be an influence for God.