August 19

”Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.” (Matthew 5:37 NIV)

Have you ever given thought to the incredible power that’s found in the little word but? If you describe a painting with the most beautiful words, and then add a but, you have in an instance voided your earlier description.

If you were to review a wonderful concert using the most complimentary superlatives you could quickly make the entire performance seem mediocre by adding the word but. You can describe a friend or co-worker as competent, loyal and uniquely skilled, and with a single little but, put a shadow over his entire reputation.

Prayer

Lord, place a guard over my mouth, so that every word I speak pleases You.