A Tree of Life on the Tip of your tongue (Proverbs 15)
Words That Heal: Speaking Light into Darkness
We’ve all found ourselves in dark places—moments of confusion, grief, anger, or fear. Sometimes it’s because of our circumstances, and sometimes it’s because of mistakes we’ve made. In those moments, we long for light—something true, something healing, something hopeful. Scripture tells us that God brings light into darkness, and often, God does it through words.
This week, we reflected on Proverbs 15 and what it means to speak “healing words” in the midst of life’s struggles. Proverbs 15:4 says, “A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.” The word translated “gentle” actually comes from the Hebrew word rapha, which means to heal or restore. In other words, our words have the potential to either bring healing or cause harm.
So what does it mean to speak healing words?
It starts with curiosity—listening well, noticing pain, and asking what someone truly needs. As Paul says in Ephesians 4:29, we are to speak words that “build up” and “give grace.” This isn’t about being nice or avoiding hard truths. It’s about truth and love. Healing words speak light into darkness and help others experience the presence of Jesus.
But as we saw, this is challenging. When we’re in the dark ourselves—feeling threatened, exhausted, or ashamed—it's easier to protect ourselves with our words: to manipulate, to confess halfway, or to lash out in anger. These reactions might feel safer or more powerful in the moment, but they don’t bring life. They deepen the darkness.
Ultimately, we don’t just need better language—we need healing hearts. And healing begins with Jesus. Like Peter, who denied Jesus three times, we each have moments we wish we could undo. But Jesus doesn’t leave us there. In John 21, Jesus tenderly asks Peter three times, “Do you love me?”—a question that both exposes and heals. It’s through this loving confrontation that Peter is restored and sent to speak life to others.
When we allow Jesus’ words to heal us—day by day, moment by moment—we become people who can speak healing into the lives of others. As Peter later wrote, “By his wounds you have been healed” (1 Peter 2:24). Healing people speak healing words. And by the grace of God, we can be those people.
Reflection Questions:
Have you recently experienced darkness—either in your own life or someone else’s?
When you speak, are your words more often meant to heal, protect yourself, or control others?
What might it look like to listen more deeply in your conversations this week?
Where do you need Jesus to speak healing into your own heart?
Who in your life may need to hear a word of light and love right now?
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