Hey, carpool crew. Maybe you're sitting at the table finishing your breakfast. Maybe you're in the car watching the world go by, or maybe just hanging out at home on the couch with a blanket. However you're listening, I'm so glad you're here. I'm Pastor Justin, and I'm so thankful you're listening to Carpooling with Jesus on Pure Flix. Our verse comes from Proverbs chapter 12, verse 18: there is one who speaks rashly, like a piercing sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Solomon is painting two opposite pictures here. One person talks without thinking, says whatever comes to their mind. They just blurt it out and it cuts like a sword. The other person chooses their words carefully. They think about what they're gonna say. Maybe they even hold back on saying something and they just stay silent. But when they do talk, their words bring healing. See, back then, swords weren't decorative. They were dangerous. People actually carried them, and that's how they defended themselves. Solomon's saying that your words can do serious damage when you use them carelessly, but they can also heal wounds, calm anger, and lift someone up when spoken with wisdom. Let's break down that first phrase: speak rashly. That means talking without thinking. We've all done that before. I know I have. Just saying what pops into your head. You blurt it out. Maybe you send a text message, leave a comment on something, or just say something at the lunch table that kind of roasts one of your friends. Solomon says when you do that, it's like a sword, and it cuts people. It hurts them. Now they may not show it or they may not say it, but it does, and you know that because when it happens to you, you know that it hurts too. See, maybe you didn't mean to, maybe it was just a joke, but it still leaves a mark. But if you're wise, now that's a whole different story. You can use your words to help heal people. You can bring peace, you can build someone up, you can encourage them. You can change someone's day for the better. Did you know that your words have that kind of power? If Jesus were sitting beside you at the lunch table and he heard you about to roast somebody, he might say, remember, words can hurt deep, but I gave you a mouth to heal people, use your words wisely. See, Jesus knew exactly when to challenge people and when to speak gently. He used his words to restore people who were hurting, and we get to do the same thing. Let's say a kid at school makes a mistake in front of the class. We've all been there. And you have got a funny line loaded up. You actually maybe think of yourself as the class clown. You're always ready to make everyone laugh. And you know this one is a doozy. Now you could say it, but instead you pause and instead you whisper, you're good, don't worry about it, when they go back to their seat. See, one choice slices. Even if everyone laughs, our friend who made the mistake, he's not gonna be laughing. But the other one, the you're good, don't worry about it, that can heal. Your words are like tools. Use them wisely. So what are some ways we can apply this today? First, just think before you speak, especially when you're joking. I love joking. I love telling jokes. But think before you speak, because not every joke is worth telling. Second, use your words to build up. It is so easy to encourage someone, to fill them up with confidence. Your words can do that. Lastly, ask God to help you pause before you post something or text something or make a comment back. A quick, God, should I do this? is all you need. Now remember, no matter where you are or how you're listening, God loves you. And parents, if this episode was good for you and your family, consider posting about it on Facebook. Let other parents know about Carpooling with Jesus so they can check it out too. Thanks for watching and listening to Carpooling with Jesus. Be sure to check out our other episodes and follow us on Instagram at Carpooling with Jesus. We're really glad you're part of the Carpool Crew. We'll see you next time.
