June 21, 2026 - Proverbs 15-20

I was reading an article about famous golfers who use profanity on the golf course.  We all know how coarse our politics have become with harsh language directed against political opponents, language often depicting “the other side” almost as the devil incarnate.  And who has not seen or even been the victim of road rage on our highways.  To bring things even closer to home for many, we sometimes speak harshly to those we know best while maintaining a public face of gentleness and kindness.  Even in the church, where the mind of Christ should dominate (see Philippians 2) and where we should always temper our words with patience, kindness, and love, we sometimes offend with our words, sometimes even intentionally when we get angry.  None of us are immune to the challenges the tongue provides us.  James speaks to the power of the tongue, the power to harm:  “[The tongue] is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.  With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God” (James 3:8-9).  Solomon gives important counsel, which we should heed, every day:  “A gentle answer turns away anger; but a harsh word stirs up wrath” (15:1).  That’s a good word for today, indeed, for every day.  A good way to live life!  Lord, lead us, guide us, help us to live thusly.

Guide me, O my great Redeemer,

pilgrim through this barren land;

I am weak, but you are mighty;

hold me with your powerful hand.

Bread of heaven, bread of heaven,

feed me now and evermore,

feed me now and evermore.

Open now the crystal fountain,

where the healing waters flow.

Let the fire and cloudy pillar

lead me all my journey through.

Strong Deliverer, strong Deliverer,

ever be my strength and shield,

ever be my strength and shield.   –William Williams (1745)