Proverbs 4:20-22

The book of Proverbs gives us a lot of instruction on a lot of different subjects. One subject that can keep us in God’s wisdom is Godly Follower-ship. Who we follow; where we follow; how we follow are all spoken about in Proverbs. Here is one of them about the need to be attracted to wisdom.  

Proverbs 4:20-22

My son, be attentive to my words;

incline your ear to my sayings.

Let them not escape from your sight;

keep them within your heart.

For they are life to those who find them,

and healing to all their flesh.

Here are some other proverbs that speak in the same theme as the above proverbs:

Proverbs 16:24

Gracious words are like a honeycomb,

sweetness to the soul and health to the body.

Proverbs 12:18

There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts,

but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

Proverbs 13:17

A wicked messenger falls into trouble,

but a faithful envoy brings healing.

Proverbs 14:30

A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh,

but envy makes the bones rot.

Proverbs 16:24

Gracious words are like a honeycomb,

sweetness to the soul and health to the body.

Proverbs 29:1

He who is often reproved, yet stiffens his neck,

will suddenly be broken beyond healing.

The conclusion we would draw from the above verses is that “words’ have an impact on our health.   What people say to us and what we say to them, matters.   This proverbs should be added to the mix:

Proverbs 15:1

A soft answer turns away wrath,

but a harsh word stirs up anger.

In the Proverbs 4 passage (above) Solomon tells us that God’s Word is “healing” to all flesh.  We know that God’s Word has a spiritual dimension, but, according to these verses, it has a physical aspect as well.   Notice what James tells us:

James 3:6-10

And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It 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. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so.

People need to be careful how they use “words.”  But, more importantly we need to remember that God’s Word has a physical “healing” aspect.  Speaking truth into the lives of those who believe truth can not only change their spiritual well being, but God’s Word makes it clear speaking God’s truth into people can also change their physical, mental, emotional and psychological states.   Speak God’s Truth!!!