Proverbs 13:17

The book of Proverbs gives us insights into so many different areas of life. The book gives us instruction on how to live our lives for God. Here is a proverb that gives us insight about how we communicate truth:

Proverbs 13:17 (ESV)

A wicked messenger falls into trouble,

but a faithful envoy brings healing.

The ability to give a "good word" to others in their time of need does not rely on technique, charisma, or formal training.  That is the world's thought, however.  The world thinks that your ability to communicate is the foremost aspect and value needed in counseling with others or encouraging them or correcting them.   And, communicate does help.   But when we can't communicate, God can supply the mouth piece ... ask Moses.   But in the above proverb, Solomon tells us that the key to giving a good word relies on the character of our heart not the talent of our tongue.   When we have faithfulness in our heart we will bring healing to the one we are talking to.   Faithfulness to God; faithfulness to God's Word; faithfulness to God's purpose, plan and people.   Our character carries more weight than our talent.   Someone with malicious, selfish, and personal agenda thoughts (the wicked) will cause both the one they are counseling and themselves to fall into adversity ... so warns Solomon.   If we want to bring healing to others we need to make sure our hearts are pure before we offer them our counsel.   I believe that is why Jesus told us to get the log out of our own eye before we try to remove the speck in our neighbor's eye.   Let's clean up the heart before we motor the tongue.