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Proverbs 22:
11 He that loveth pureness of heart, for the grace of his lips
the king shall be his friend.
Graciousness
is the most beautifying character. A gracious person is often
described as a beautiful or charming person. Whether man or
woman, graciousness makes a person delightful, pleasant, and
winning. It is a rare and sweet pleasure to meet one. And this
trait is most clearly shown by excellent speech. You will meet
only a few in life; they will have great reputations; they will
warm your soul; and you will crave their company. Graciousness
begins with a pure heart. A man's speech simply reflects his
heart (Luke 6:45), so you must keep your heart with all
diligence (4:23). If your heart is cheerful, contented,
forgiving, kind, and thankful, you will think gracious thoughts.
You must reject all sinful thoughts of bitterness, envy, evil
surmising, malice, or revenge.
A
pure heart produces gracious speech. Paul said, "Let your speech
be alway with grace" (Col 4:6). He told the Ephesians to avoid
all corrupt speech and focus on words that build others up; he
said that a tenderhearted spirit based in kindness and
forgiveness was right, but that bitterness, wrath, malice, and
evil speaking were wrong (Eph 4:29-32). If you think kindly
about others, rule your spirit, and guard your tongue, you will
be gracious!
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