August 4, 2024 -- Proverbs 4:24 - 27 -- What's the matter? Your words matter. Ponder them.

Put away from you crooked speech,
    and put devious talk far from you.
25 Let your eyes look directly forward,
    and your gaze be straight before you.
26 Ponder the path of your feet;
    then all your ways will be sure.
27 Do not swerve to the right or to the left;
    turn your foot away from evil.
Proverbs 4:24-27 ESV

Earlier this week I became angry and even as I recall what happened I am easily angered all over again. While visiting one of the prisons, having taught Bible Study, one of the men referred to the guards as “keepers”. It was an odd reference. Then another one referred to lunch as “feeding time”. These men were quoting the very words which the prison officers use in reference to the men and their situation. Perhaps you have already understood the implications. According to many of the guards the prison is a zoo. The prison officers also refer to their charges as “animals”. My stomach boils as I write this. The men on the inside are demeaned by these words. They know many of the guards considered them no better than animals. Their lives are on exhibit for the guards and social workers. To add greater insult to this injury, they are at the mercy of these “keepers” who provoke them at will and write them up when the defenseless prisoner reacts against such vile treatment.

Words matter. What I’ve just described is an example of crooked speech and devious talk. Though it is a terrible example, if you are honest, ponder how often do you use crooked speech and devious talk to slander someone you’re angry with? Or to mock the government which God has put into power—perhaps putting such men and women into power because of the sins of His people. Men and women who need the prayers of the Christians more than ever. Maybe your crooked speech and devious talk relates to gossip. Maybe you use your words to manipulate others?

Today is Sunday. Examine your own heart. Your example is Jesus Christ. If you have deviated from any standard, do not compare your walk with someone other than Jesus. He is the measure of holiness you are to use. When the Spirit of God uses the Word to convict you, then do not look to the right or to the left for excuses. Confess your sins. The Father is faithful and just and will forgive you based on the accomplished work of Jesus. Jesus was crushed for your sinful words.

Pray for those who are in prison, and do so today with greater understanding of their plight.

Pray for prison guards and those who work in prison settings that vile words and crooked speech will be exposed there will be a changed atmosphere such that guards will deal kindly with those in their care. The Father in heaven will not spare the wicked on the Day of Judgment.

Pray for yourself that you will be restored to the way of salvation and keep your feet in right paths so that your head (intentions) and feet (actions) go towards Jesus.

Father in heaven, we confess we have sinned against You in thought, word and deed. We confess our sins and plead that You will forgive us in Jesus’ Name. By Your Holy Spirit direct us in right paths and so declare Your Holiness and by such words and deeds draw others to the light of Jesus Christ. Amen.

https://youtu.be/Vs39C1-T4BE?si=cMmHccvDI7-yBPph “May the Word of My Mouth”

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