Prophetic Words

Few things in life are more powerful than the spoken word.  It can heal or hurt, inspire or intimidate, comfort or crush.  ” The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, “  but the violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked.  Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

As husbands and fathers, our words are especially powerful.   The words of a parent are especially powerful, even prophetic.  What a father believes about his children is important, but it is of limited benefit if he does not express it.  When he speaks it, something almost magical happens.  His words become a mirror, enabling his children to see themselves as he sees them.  Not infrequently the things he sees– the character strengths he affirms, the gifts and talents he identifies, the future possibilities he envisions- give substance to his children’s own secret dreams.  His words become the first tangible evidence that their dreams are truly possible.

Action Steps  to Take

1.  Examine your speech.  What kind of emotional climate do you create with your words?  Do the remarks you make encourage or intimidate your spouse and your Children?

2.   Ask your wife and Children to list five encouraging things you have said to them in the last seven days.  If they cannot remember that many, then make a point of being more affirming.

Proverbs 10:1-32

Key verse:  The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but violence overwhelms the mouth of the Wicked.  Prov 10:11

PIFK -  Chuck Sherman