Pleasantries

Had I found this verse a few days earlier, it would have been my choice for Verse #8:

The wise in heart are called discerning,
and pleasant words promote instruction
.
~Proverbs 16:21

Then, three verses later: "pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones."

I love that. Pleasant words promote instruction. How often are my words to my children -in an effort to promote instruction- harsh, critical, impatient, cold, even sarcastic?

Pleasant words. Sweet and healing words. God's Word is so good; so true.

Lord, give me pleasant words today. May these lips promote instruction with pleasant words. Help me to obey you; to choose pleasant words in place of critical ones. And may they be fruitful in promoting instruction here in our home, with our children. Transform me, Father.

Working on that today and for the days to come. May it encourage you, too- as you lead your little ones!

[And how handy that I've found my next verse already?]

9 comments:

  1. Thank you for the 'sweet' reminder!
    God bless,
    Jennifer Christine

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  2. Hi Stacy :) Sending hugs to you today! Love, Q

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  3. I can't hear those words enough... do you read the chapter of Proverbs that corresponds with the date? I read that this morning too! I don't read them consistently, but like to, and like to pray the verses for myself and my family.

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  4. Thank you! I've been praying for your sweet family-- and their mama-- today!
    Annie

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  5. How wonderful that, as a young mom, you have found this wisdom and are putting it to use. I, as an "old mom," wish I had practiced it more often while raising my two boys. I look back now with much regret over harsh, critical, and impatient words. It's a wonder they still love me. God's richest blessings to you and to your children on your journey toward a discerning heart and pleasant words.

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  6. Needed to read this:o)It's been a long day!

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  7. Good words for me to remember both with my boys at home and with my students at school. THANK YOU STACY!!! This is very timely as I'm having an Arghhhh day at school today. :) Do ALL my kids just not want to follow directions?!? :) Praise God for His Word!
    Love, Camee

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  8. What a great gentle reminder...may I pray that prayer along side you sister!! Thank you for sharing.

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  9. Jennifer,
    You're welcome. I need it, too. I should revisit this post rather frequently, in fact.

    Quinne,
    (((Hugs))) to you, sweet Quinne!

    Rebeca,
    Yes. I do that often (read the chapter in Proverbs that corresponds with the date). And as I read them, I write down the verses that particularly speak to me that day, and pray them. :)

    Annie,
    Thank YOU, sweet friend, for your prayers!

    Jenny M.,
    Oh, Jenny. I can't tell you how much your comment encouraged me. That you regret how you mothered at times and YET your children still love you. Good. There's hope for me yet!

    Sandi,
    Me too. :)

    Emily,
    Especially the latter.

    Camee,
    I have lots of "arggghh" days right here at home! Glad it was an encouragement to you, sweet Camee.

    Marian,
    Thank you. Blessings to you, Marian!

    ~Stacy

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