Beautiful words

Naphtali is one of the 12 tribes of Israel. In Genesis 49, Jacob gives an individual blessing to each of these 12 tribes. Though I personally love all of them, I feel Naphtali has an important "picture lesson" for us. Genesis 49:21 states that, "Naphtali is a hind let loose, he giveth goodly words:. The word "hind" is H355, ayalah, אילהת, a doe/female deer. Let loose, H7971, is shalach, שלח, from a primitive root to send away, or out, shoot forth. This description paints a picture of a female deer that is quick and moving quickly. He giveth goodly, H8233, shepher, שפר, from H8231, shaphar, a primitive root of beauty, or to glisten. Who doesn't love a sparkle? I love this tribe picture already, don't you? Don't you love to see a beautiful doe, a sweet momma with her fawns in the woods? Then in the blink of an eye, they are running!! It is so enlivening to my soul to see a "hind"/doe with her babies in my driveway, where this photo was taken. Sometimes when I see a doe and her fawns, I am reminded of this verse from Genesis. This tribe was given a blessing of bringing "goodly or beautiful" words back to their army. Who doesn't like to bless someone with good news, beautiful words of instruction and wisdom. Proverbs 5 also speaks of this wisdom and "bowing thine ear to my instruction of "goodly" words. In this book, a "son" is told to regard discretion, which could be an evil plan or evil words from someone. This is spiritual warfare we fight with words and THE WORD. He is also told that his lips can keep knowledge, meaning he should protect his words. The adulteress in this chapter has sweet words like honeycomb, and her mouth is smoother than oil, but in the end they bring him to a place as bitter as wormwood, and sharper than a two edged sword. Yikes!! Hear, shema, me now therefore, children, and depart not from the words of my mouth. Or else you will give honor to others and thy years to the cruel. When we hate the instruction, or beautiful words of wisdom, we give our power over to the adulteress, or to what is evil. It goes on to say, "Let thy fountain be blessed and rejoice with the wife of thy youth. Let her be as the loving "hind" and pleasant "roe, wild goat, and let her breasts satisfy thee at all times, and be thou ravished with her love. Who needs a soap opera when you have Proverbs? The Spirit of the Lord can lead our hearts and minds to watch over our words carefully. When we follow His lead, His wisdom, His instructions, we see the fruit in Habakkuk 3:19, "The Lord God is my strength, and He will make my feet like "Hinds H355 feet" and He will make me walk upon high places. Let's take the Lord's way with our words.

Let's be like Naphtali and be quick to bring beautiful words that strengthen our army of believers. This is the way to win battles. We use language in beautiful words and tone to express wise instruction. Sometimes we do need to speak truth in love, which means addressing issues, but with restoration and mending in mind. Let us be wise in how we communicate in these days that seem so difficult sometimes. We are often misunderstood, easily judged, and lead into temptations of the "adulteress woman". Our tone, intent, and a heart of forgiveness go a long way in fighting battles of warfare that can keep us out of traps set for evil. My prayer is we recognize the traps early, take time in prayer to hear the Father on our relationship issues and heal with our "beautiful words". May we listen first and try to find solutions to our battles with the swiftness of the doe, and her sweet fawns. May our communication and language skills be as blessed as the tribe of Naphtali. May you remember this word picture every time you see a "hind" leading her fawns. You know ladies, how much words mean to us. We set the tone for our families and children. Your choices can lead you down one of two paths. May we chose the instruction/listening over the double edged sword.

Isaiah 52:7, "how beautiful and delightful on the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who announces peace, shalom, and brings the "beautiful words" of happiness, who announces salvation, and says to Zion, "Your God reigns". May our King lead us swiftly and keep us walking the path of His instruction. Though our feet may sometimes hurt, get sore, need a pedicure (haha) they are beautiful when we share "beautiful words".

Cynthia/סינתיה