Crosswords

I have an embarrassing, well kept (I think) secret…

I often buy one of our local entertainment magazines.

There – it’s out! Not every week, not even every month but I buy it. I hide it in the cupboard when guests come over. I know it’s a waste of money. I know it’s not exactly a fountain of wisdom and correct news. I know it’s got photoshopped models. I know it tries to make me spend more money on things I don’t need.

So why do I buy it?

For the CROSSWORDS!

I enjoy stimulating my brain with crosswords, I use my cognitive skills to relax!

Today, I have a couple of crossword clues for you to figure out –

1. Ruins the testimony of a wise man (5)
2. Sharp and cutting words (7) see TPT footnote
3. To mock a Father’s instruction (6)
4. Antidote for weak and depressed (6,8)
5. Fruit from the tree of life (7,5)

(You can find the answers in The Passion Translation Proverbs 15 verses 1,4,5,15)

In this “age of rage” Proverbs 15 speaks deeply into “cross” words…

How do we parent our children? Is it with a 9 letter word – s-c-r-e-a-m-i-n-g?

What is our response when others are angry and confront us? A three letter word perhaps - M-a-d?

Is negativity and unhealthy, mocking words part of our everyday speech? U-n-w-i-s-e

Proverbs 15 speaks of words that heal, words that defuse anger, words that bring revelation-truth, thinking words, refreshing and strengthening words.

What and how we say things are of vital importance to God. 

James, who wrote a book in the new testament, wrote about the tongue and what a powerful weapon it is. It is a weapon that all of us have and we choose whether we use it for good or for harm.

Perhaps our real problem is not controlling our tongue but taking control of our hearts… 

Happy crosswording! But no cross wording!

Kind words are always the right kind!