“Whoever gives thought to the word will discover good,
and blessed is he who trusts in the Lord.
The wise of heart is called discerning,
and sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness.
Good sense is a fountain of life to him who has it,
but the instruction of fools is folly.
The heart of the wise makes his speech judicious
and adds persuasiveness to his lips.
Gracious words are like a honeycomb,
sweetness to the soul and health to the body…
A dishonest man spreads strife,
and a whisperer separates close friends…
Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty,
and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.” Proverbs 16:20-24,28,32
“Though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law… that I might win [them]… To those outside the law I became as one outside the law… that I might win [them]. To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings.” 1 Corinthians 9:19-23
The living, powerful Scriptures are full of people potent in speech and persuasion. Solomon’s instructions outline the prudence of thoughtfulness, discernment, graciousness, and honesty to add persuasiveness to speech, while Paul exemplifies them all. For the Christian, the Holy Spirit applies both teaching and role model in our spiritual development so we can match the art of loving persuasion with passion for the gospel to make an eternal difference. (Hebrews 4:12; 2 Timothy 3:16)
Wisdom and good sense are the backbone of sturdy speech, while grace, sweetness, calm, and care do much to smooth the way for meaningful interactions with others. People might listen to a strong message, but they will be more apt to absorb what is said and consider its merit when they know they are understood. Once trust is established, the power in any spiritual persuasion comes from the Word itself, the Truth that opens eyes, breaks chains, and saves. Blessings shower down when people take hold and find the gospel to be their own. (John 4:7-15; 1 Corinthians 2:1-5; 4:20)
How committed am I to making the gospel known? Am I serious only about the facts of the matter, or do I make room in my heart for the people whom I address? Indeed, passion for Jesus must include a love and devotion to the people He came to save. If that is missing, if I care more about my message than those with whom I share it, something is wrong and must be confessed and corrected.
Do I trust the Lord and seek His opportunities to persuade? In what cases have I known His discernment and experienced His grace to and through me? With whom does my heart need more tenderness and compassion? How can my speech be more judicious and clear?
Lord, help me love whom and how You love, so the gospel is attractive and clearly communicated to all You place in my path, for eternal good and glory.
As the rain and snow 