The NIV 365 Day Devotional

Encouragement: Words that Build Up

Paul’s words admonish us to speak only good, not corrupt, words—ones that build up, encourage and edify. Our words are to constitute a gift to the hearer (Eph 4:29).

Jesus and Paul are examples for us in their use of uplifting words to encourage. Even when his ship started to sink, Paul gave words of encouragement (Ac 27:22). When Jesus’ disciples were sinking, he spoke encouragement to them (Mt 14:27). When Paul was being persecuted, the Lord appeared beside him and encouraged him (Ac 23:11).

Many people are bowed down under heavy emotional loads and are weary of life’s struggles. How eager they are to hear a word of encouragement (1Th 5:11)! Often we turn the other way, but the Lord wants to give us kind words to say if we are willing to make ourselves available (Isa 50:4).

In Proverbs, the book of wisdom, much is written about the value of encouraging words (Pr 16:24; 25:11). Not only do pleasant words taste sweet, but their use can lift us up to high places (Pr 22:11). Whether we want to be encouragers because Jesus said “be of good cheer,” because Paul urged us to “take heart,” or because we are simply called to lift up the weary, edify the saints and evangelize the lost—whatever our reason for wishing to bring sweetness to the soul, now is the time to start (Jas 4:17).

Taken from The NIV Woman’s Study Bible.