Proverbs 25:11  “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.”  How good it is when someone speaks to you in such a way.  We know words are like containers and they house either life or death.  Words spoken in anger sting for a moment, but can last a lifetime.  Words are so powerful! James compares them to the rudder of a ship.  It takes quite a force to turn a ship, so our words should not be taken lightly.     Courses and directions of peoples’ lives are affected by the very conversation of the people they are around!  

     Consider this:  what am I saying to myself?  My very own words are weighty and I hear them each time I speak.  David, the Psalmist, Shepherd, and King, knew this to be an important factor in his life.  In one of his worst situations, the Bible records that he encouraged himself in the Lord.  1 Samuel 30:6 “Now David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and his daughters. But David strengthened himself in the LORD his God.”  “Strengthened” is the translation of “encouraged” in this verse which describes David’s reaction to all his problems.  Sometimes people can’t help and we need to remember that’s the time to encourage ourselves.  Speak Psalms, hymns, and Proverbs to yourself and think about God’s goodness. Say,  “The Lord always causes me to triumph in Christ Jesus.  Everything works to my advantage.”   Encourage yourself!