Life and good days!

Hello everyone,

How are you doing on this day? I hope well and bubbling in the Lord. 

Primary Text

“For let him who wants to enjoy life and see good days [good – whether apparent or not] keep his tongue from evil and his lips from guile (treachery, deceit).” 1 Peter 3v10 (AMP)

It is amazing that this verse comes right after that which says:

“Never return evil for evil or insult for insult (scolding, tongue-lashing, berating), but on the contrary blessing [praying for their welfare, happiness, protection, and truly pitying and loving them]. ...” 1 Peter 3v9 (AMP). Brethren, we are here encouraged that “… “If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies.” 1 Peter 3v10 (NLT). It is for our benefit then that we are encouraged not to render evil for evil or insult for insult. Don’t let yourself be provoked! Many of us are familiar with Proverbs 18v21 (KJV) which says “Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.” Remember that “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.” (Romans 15v4, NIV). One situation that was written about in the Scripture was the majority of the Israelite’s reaction to the news of 10 of the 12 spies, and what God declared. (see below). What are you saying? What words are entering the ears of the Lord?

Supplementary Text

“And all the congregation lifted up their voice, and cried; and the people wept that night. And all the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron: and the whole congregation said unto them, Would God that we had died in the land of Egypt! or would God we had died in this wilderness! And wherefore hath the LORD brought us unto this land, to fall by the sword, that our wives and our children should be a prey? were it not better for us to return into Egypt? … And the LORD said unto Moses, How long will this people provoke Me? and how long will it be ere they believe Me, for all the signs which I have shewed among them?... How long shall I bear with this evil congregation, which murmur against Me? I have heard the murmurings of the children of Israel, which they murmur against Me. Say unto them, As truly as I live, saith the LORD, as ye have spoken in Mine ears, so will I do to you: Your carcases shall fall in this wilderness; and all that were numbered of you, according to your whole number, from twenty years old and upward which have murmured against Me. Doubtless ye shall not come into the land, concerning which I sware to make you dwell therein, save Caleb the son of Jephunneh, and Joshua the son of Nun.” Numbers 14 v 1-3; 11, 27-30 (KJV)

Father, I thank You for Your Word. Father, have mercy on me for every death bringing or evil word I have spoken. Help me always to speak words of life and blessing in Jesus name, amen.