The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit. — Proverbs 15:4 NIV

“Does this dress make me look fat?”

Some questions should never be asked. Yet when you are put in the position of telling the truth or speaking in love, what do you choose? You want to be encouraging. You have to tell the truth. So, how do you answer the question?

Yes. No. No, it’s not the dress. Why did you ask me that?

Or how about

You are beautiful! I like the blue dress better on you.

When you feel pressed to choose between truth and love, remember that the Apostle Paul encouraged the Ephesians to speak the truth in love. It is possible to do both.

This month in our morning devotions we are exploring the book of Proverbs. It is a book full of timeless wisdom. Much of that wisdom has to do with how we treat one another. Ultimately, though, it has to do with how we live before God. Jesus told his disciples that on the day of judgment, we will give account for every idle word. For some of us, that is a frightening thought. Thanks be to God that the Word became flesh so that we might be redeemed. If you are trusting in Christ, you don’t have to be afraid, but you still need to consider the power of your words. A gentle answer turns away wrath… The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life… A man finds joy in giving an apt reply — and how good is a timely word!

Lord, grant that my speech today would be seasoned with salt, that I might know how to answer everyone. May my tongue be a tree of life, providing sweet, nourishing fruit to those around me and pointing to You, the giver of Life. Amen.

Watch the entire message from Proverbs 15