12 Words from the mouth of the wise are gracious,
but fools are consumed by their own lips.
Ecclesiastes 10:12
The words of a wise person are full of grace, are gracious. Let’s ponder that. I first think of the explanation to the 8th commandment,
You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
What does this mean?
We should fear and love God, so that we do not lie about, betray or slander our neighbor, but excuse him, speak well of him, and put the best construction on everything. (Martin Luther)
I like one of the internet’s definition of grace as “courteous goodwill.” It might mean that the person looks for the good in another rather than finding faults and weakness. It could mean refusing to pass along gossip that is not proven and not helpful. Lies twist the truth for destruction but gracious words seek to build and enhance the good in another.
As a young adult, a wise person advised me that when I woke each morning, I spend 5 minutes saying “thank you” prayers. I try to avoid the “give-me” prayers but indeed I spend a fair share of time reminding God my concerns about this and that. Spending time using my words to praise others or God is always an encouraging experience. During this political season when it is so easy to find the faults in the other candidate, it is easy to become discouraged and cynical about the future. Lord, help us to speak well of others and put the best construction on everything!
On the Way to Wonder 