Wiki articles exist for every topic imaginable. There is even a wiki article on “How to Attend to a Stab Wound.” For those of you reading a translated version of this devotional, the article is not speaking about booking a ticket to see someone being stabbed. The wiki explains how one ought to care for a person with a stab wound.
The opening paragraph clearly says, “Painful, gory, and potentially deadly, a stab wound requires immediate treatment to alleviate the bleeding and pain and stabilize the victim until he can be examined by medical professionals. Attending to a stab wound requires quick action and a level head in order to effectively provide the first aid needed to control the bleeding and save the victim’s life.”
Wise counsel, indeed. And not utterly without its spiritual implications.
Today’s verse tells us
THE WORDS OF THE RECKLESS PEIRCE LIKE SWORDS, BUT THE TOUNGUE OF THE WISE BRINGS HEALING
Ah, sad but true, THE WORDS OF THE RECKLESS are painful, gory and potentially deadly. People can say the most hurtful and destructive things. Destructive to relationships, destructive to self-respect and self-confidence, and destructive even to the willingness to work through these painful comments in a constructive manner. RECKLESS. Not giving proper consideration to the potential impact.
I’ve been guilty of this far too often, and also the recipient. Haven’t we all??
Emotionally and physically, the keys to dealing with these stab wounds are essentially the same.
First on the list is stopping the bleeding. Lose too much blood and the game is over. Closing the wound, pressing the sides together and holding a firm pressure is a great approach to stemming the flow of blood. When the wound is serious, it is often best to have this done by someone else. When the wound is from a reckless word that has pierced us like a sword, having someone who can be made aware of the wound and help you hold it together is also critical. The pressure of a close and trusted relationship, measured in conversations, hugs, tears and prayers is amazing in its ability to stem the flow from the wound.
THE TONGUEOF THE WISE BRINGS HEALING by adding support, perspective, love and concern. This helps to alleviate the level of pain. The pain will not go away immediately, it is a process that will always take time. the deeper the wound, the longer the process of healing will be. For serious wounds, the help of a professional could be needed. Perhaps that is a priest, or it could be a trained counselor. The person applying the pressure to the wound may be one of the best sources of advice as to whether professional care is necessary.
THE WORDS OF THE RECKLESS PEIRCE LIKE SWORDS, BUT THE TOUNGUE OF THE WISE BRINGS HEALING
Let God bring you to places where His healing can occur in your life. The walking wounded are seldom effective ambassadors for Christ’s love; pain inhibits healthy movement. Thank God that one of His names in the Hebrew scriptures is “Jehovah Rophe,” the God Who is our Healer. He is the Great Physician who heals, restores, and fills us with HIs Spirit to strengthen us.
THE WORDS OF THE RECKLESS PEIRCE LIKE SWORDS, BUT THE TOUNGUE OF THE WISE BRINGS HEALING
