Introductory Thoughts
The focus of people’s speech generally revolves around things they find most important. This is why the Bible says, “The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life.” How is that so? Because righteous things are important to him; they tend to dominate much of his conversation and focus. To the contrary, the wicked enjoy violence and tend to focus upon it, sometimes even unintentionally. They stir up controversy in the hopes that it yields the violence they crave. They view violent material in order to analyze the various aspects of violence ever needing new forms to entertain. It tends to dominate their discussions whether amongst friends or strangers. They pay money to view various events containing violence and leave disappointed if the violence does not reach their level of satisfaction. As a generation becomes enamored by violence, it consumes their thought life and their speech.
Devotional Thoughts
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(For children): Haman wanted the Jews destroyed, spoke lies against them, and was willing to pay money to have them destroyed (Esther 3:8-9; Proverbs 24:2). He even spoke of his desire for violence with his family (Esther 5:11-14). The Bible offers a clear description of a violent man (Romans 3:13-18).
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(For everyone): How much of your speech is marked by violence? Do you love to see violence in the news or in your forms of entertainment? Do you speak of it often?
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What topics do you find easiest when holding conversation with those you do not know? What things do you focus upon to find common ground with those whom you first meet? How much of your time is given to speaking of violence?
Prayer Thoughts
- Ask God to help keep your conversation in check.
- Ask the Lord to help you speak of righteousness.
Song
HIS WAY WITH THEE
