Biblical and godly encouragement is not simply extending affirming words that make a person feel better about himself or herself. Scripture teaches genuine encouragement develops one in humility [obedience to God], courage [facing the challenges in Christ’s strength], and hope [confident expectation] in God’s love and will for our lives. It’s taking God at his Word and helping others who need reassuring. Extending encouragement is like throwing a life-line of saving hope to sure up the courage and strength of others and help them press on in faith to lay hold of the grace of God for salvation and restoration. I am so grateful for the power of godly encouragement operating in our world, because so many people right now are desperate for it.
In our passage from Proverbs 15, today, we know a wise tongue is an encouraging and praying tongue. The sinful inclination of this world is to think the worse and verbalize it; to see only what we don’t like and what we think is wrong with people and things around us. But, not only should we never look at another human being and point out everything that seems glaringly wrong to us, we must look to encourage that person with the love of God and influence the righteous things God has prepared for his children to fulfill.
I was recently watching a brief recap of the confirmation hearing, involving Pete Hegseth for Defense Secretary, and some of the questions issued by several senators truly shocked me. I totally understand the importance of the inquiry into Major Hegseth’s qualifications, but my goodness God have mercy if each one of us was put under the magnifying glass of our failures; who could stand perfectly in righteousness for any job? Condemnation is not from Christ; it is Satan who is the accuser of God’s people and will not listen to a repentant heart or see the good that has followed a failure. Why couldn’t the questions focus on the proven qualifications of this person and what he may or may not bring of value to the job he is being considered to lead? The mercy we give is the mercy we receive (Mat 5:7).
So, the prayer lives of God’s people must be increased, because the devil is focused on destruction. According to God’s Wisdom through Solomon, “The Lord is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayers of the righteous” (Pro 15:29). I’m sure God hears every prayer and knows the motivation of every heart. However, prayers of faith in Christ heal the sick, forgive the sinner, and move us to live in the presence of Almighty God.
When believers and those seeking his will for salvation call upon him, great power is released that produces wonderful results (Ja 5:16). God accepted Christ’s sacrifice on our behalf as we are no longer condemned by God (Mat 27:46; Jo 3:16-17). Based on the mercy and blood of Jesus, the righteous are covered, forgiven, redeemed, and are being made whole by grace. We walk out of our failures and into the regenerating grace of Christ. Therefore, in humility, we should focus on what is good and with fear and trembling run from condemning someone else. Instead, let’s extend mercy and godly encouragement to others knowing the penalty of our sins has been paid.
Proverbs 15 NLT
1
A gentle answer deflects anger,
but harsh words make tempers flare.
2
The tongue of the wise makes knowledge appealing,
but the mouth of a fool belches out foolishness.
3
The Lord is watching everywhere,
keeping his eye on both the evil and the good.
4
Gentle words are a tree of life;
a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.
5
Only a fool despises a parent’s discipline;
whoever learns from correction is wise.
6
There is treasure in the house of the godly,
but the earnings of the wicked bring trouble.
7
The lips of the wise give good advice;
the heart of a fool has none to give.
8
The Lord detests the sacrifice of the wicked,
but he delights in the prayers of the upright.
9
The Lord detests the way of the wicked,
but he loves those who pursue godliness.
10
Whoever abandons the right path will be severely disciplined;
whoever hates correction will die.
11
Even Death and Destruction hold no secrets from the Lord.
How much more does he know the human heart!
12
Mockers hate to be corrected,
so they stay away from the wise.
13
A glad heart makes a happy face;
a broken heart crushes the spirit.
14
A wise person is hungry for knowledge,
while the fool feeds on trash.
15
For the despondent, every day brings trouble;
for the happy heart, life is a continual feast.
16
Better to have little, with fear for the Lord,
than to have great treasure and inner turmoil.
17
A bowl of vegetables with someone you love
is better than steak with someone you hate.
18
A hot-tempered person starts fights;
a cool-tempered person stops them.
19
A lazy person’s way is blocked with briers,
but the path of the upright is an open highway.
20
Sensible children bring joy to their father;
foolish children despise their mother.
21
Foolishness brings joy to those with no sense;
a sensible person stays on the right path.
22
Plans go wrong for lack of advice;
many advisers bring success.
23
Everyone enjoys a fitting reply;
it is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time!
24
The path of life leads upward for the wise;
they leave the grave behind.
25
The Lord tears down the house of the proud,
but he protects the property of widows.
26
The Lord detests evil plans,
but he delights in pure words.
27
Greed brings grief to the whole family,
but those who hate bribes will live.
28
The heart of the godly thinks carefully before speaking;
the mouth of the wicked overflows with evil words.
29
The Lord is far from the wicked,
but he hears the prayers of the righteous.
30
A cheerful look brings joy to the heart;
good news makes for good health.
31
If you listen to constructive criticism,
you will be at home among the wise.
32
If you reject discipline, you only harm yourself;
but if you listen to correction, you grow in understanding.
33
Fear of the Lord teaches wisdom;
humility precedes honor.
Prayer: Lord, we have all experienced failures in life, so we want to thank you for your mercy, forgiveness, and for exhorting or encouraging us to press on to the high call of fulfilling your will and purpose for our lives. We thank you for the blood Jesus and a new beginning. Help us to focus on the things that are right more than focusing on the things that are wrong around us. Cause us to be godly encouragers, in the lives of others, who understand the humility and the power of obedience, confidence in your strength, and the hope of pleasing you. Thank you for the favor that covers us and qualifies us for whatever you send us to be and do. We pray for our country, the government, the confirmation process, and the transition of power. May your angels protect and position according to your will. In Jesus’ name. Amen.