The lips of the righteous feed many... (Proverbs 10:21)
One's words have tremendous power to "feed" others, that is, to meet their deepest needs. This does not apply only to preachers or others who make their living from public speaking. Those whose words frequently encourage and guide me include a businessman and a research scientist--even an insurance salesman and a lawyer come to mind!
Yet not everyone's words have this quality. It requires walking with God, having a knowledge of his word, and loving those with whom we speak. Implicit in this, I believe, includes being a good listener.
The verse also tells us that, as those who need to be "fed," our needs go beyond the physical realm. We need to be fed by words spoken by those who walk with God. As another important Scripture tells us,
Man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord. (Deuteronomy 8:3, cited by Jesus in Matthew 4:4)
We need God's word, and we need someone who speaks these words to us with wisdom and understanding. How many people are in your life that you can turn to in this way? Are you this kind of person to others?
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