What does "do not say" in Proverbs 24:29 teach about our speech? Setting the Verse in Context Proverbs 24:29: “Do not say, ‘I will do to him as he has done to me; I will pay the man back for his deeds.’” The proverb sits within a section urging wisdom, justice, and restraint. Verse 29 zeroes in on the reflex to repay hurt with hurt—starting with our words. The Command: “Do not say…” • The first curb is verbal: before revenge is plotted, it is spoken. • By forbidding the sentence itself, Scripture blocks the doorway to retaliatory action. • Words reveal the heart (Luke 6:45) and direct life’s course (James 3:5-6). Why Our Speech Matters • Speech is creative power: “Death and life are in the power of the tongue” (Proverbs 18:21). • God hears every word (Matthew 12:36). • What we allow ourselves to say, we soon allow ourselves to do (Proverbs 13:3). What Not to Say: Words of Retaliation 1. “I will do to him as he has done to me” – Rejects God’s role as judge (Romans 12:19). – Locks us into the offender’s standard rather than God’s. 2. “I will pay the man back” – Turns relationship into a ledger of debts instead of grace (Matthew 18:21-22). – Keeps wounds open, fueling bitterness (Hebrews 12:15). What to Say Instead: Words of Grace • Bless rather than curse (Romans 12:14). • Answer evil with good (1 Peter 3:9). • Speak truth in love (Ephesians 4:29). • Offer gentle words that defuse anger (Proverbs 15:1). Living It Out Daily • Pause: Be “slow to speak” (James 1:19). • Pray Scripture back to God when wronged—e.g., Psalm 37:5-9. • Replace vengeance talk with benevolence talk: “How can I serve?” • Trust God’s justice: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay” (Romans 12:19). • Model Christ, “Who, when He was reviled, did not retaliate” (1 Peter 2:23). Key Takeaways • Guarding speech guards the heart. • Retaliatory words deny God’s sovereignty. • Grace-filled words reflect the gospel and overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21). |
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