Positivity can be found through many sources and in order to maintain positive thinking, it’s important to read and listen to uplifting words as often as we can. This of course is particularly true in our modern age, because it can really wear us down.
For me, one of the most reliable and trusted sources for words of hope and inspiration, is the Bible. I know that people have different faiths/religions and some don’t believe in any religion, but that doesn’t really matter. The words themselves apply to people of all walks of life — plus, it’s always good to keep an open mind, which in itself fosters positivity.
I discovered one Bible passage in particular that jumped out at me. Proverbs 15 oozes hope and positivity and includes sage lessons we should all learn.
Proverbs 15: 1-33
A gentle answer turns away wrath,
but a harsh word stirs up anger.
The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge,
but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.
The eyes of the Lord are everywhere,
keeping watch on the wicked and the good.
The soothing tongue is a tree of life,
but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.
A fool spurns a parent’s discipline,
but whoever heeds correction shows prudence.
The house of the righteous contains great treasure,
but the income of the wicked brings ruin.
The lips of the wise spread knowledge,
but the hearts of fools are not upright.
The Lord detests the sacrifice of the wicked,
but the prayer of the upright pleases him.
The Lord detests the way of the wicked,
but he loves those who pursue righteousness.
Stern discipline awaits anyone who leaves the path;
the one who hates correction will die.
Death and Destruction lie open before the Lord—
how much more do human hearts!
Mockers resent correction,
so they avoid the wise.
A happy heart makes the face cheerful,
but heartache crushes the spirit.
The discerning heart seeks knowledge,
but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly.
All the days of the oppressed are wretched,
but the cheerful heart has a continual feast.
Better a little with the fear of the Lord
than great wealth with turmoil.
Better a small serving of vegetables with love
than a fattened calf with hatred.
A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict,
but the one who is patient calms a quarrel.
The way of the sluggard is blocked with thorns,
but the path of the upright is a highway.
A wise son brings joy to his father,
but a foolish man despises his mother.
Folly brings joy to one who has no sense,
but whoever has understanding keeps a straight course.
Plans fail for lack of counsel,
but with many advisers they succeed.
A person finds joy in giving an apt reply—
and how good is a timely word!
The path of life leads upward for the prudent
to keep them from going down to the realm of the dead.
The Lord tears down the house of the proud,
but he sets the widow’s boundary stones in place.
The Lord detests the thoughts of the wicked,
but gracious words are pure in his sight.
The greedy bring ruin to their households,
but the one who hates bribes will live.
The heart of the righteous weighs its answers,
but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil.
The Lord is far from the wicked,
but he hears the prayer of the righteous.
Light in a messenger’s eyes brings joy to the heart,
and good news gives health to the bones.
Whoever heeds life-giving correction
will be at home among the wise.
Those who disregard discipline despise themselves,
but the one who heeds correction gains understanding.
Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the Lord,
and humility comes before honor.
In proverbs 15:4, which is written above as “The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit,” some versions of the Bible present it as “Kind words bring life, but cruel words crush your spirit.” This is a very powerful truism — our words can hurt and sometimes, more than we may ever know. That’s why when it comes to not just being “positive,” but actually living as a positive person, we should always make sure our words do more good than harm.
