Day #189
Scripture Reading: Proverbs 17 - 18 …
With 24-hour cable news networks, countless talk
shows, endless means of communication and the ability to "speak your
piece" about anything to anybody, people would do well to listen more and
talk less. With wisdom from the Lord, Solomon writes, "The tongue
has the power of life and death" (18:21). Words can build up or
tear down, and words spoken without thought of their consequences can cause the
destruction even of nations. Countless relationships have been and are being
destroyed by careless words. How much better it is to choose your words
wisely than to have to backtrack and spend hours trying to explain or retract
what you have already said! So much of what Solomon writes in his
proverbs connects your words with the attitude of your heart. As we have
already seen in our study of Proverbs, your words reveal what is inside your
mind and your heart.
At first glance, Proverbs may appear to be a string
of disconnected "sayings" that are fun to quote but which hold little
in the form of practical application. However, the overall theme is
visible throughout as the wise man and the fool are contrasted in virtually
every area of life. Wisdom is connected with listening, watching your
tongue, and a cheerful and humble spirit; while foolishness is linked with
gossip, strife, lying and pride. Here is an example: "He
who covers over an offense promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter
separates close friends" (17:9). That’s a simple truth that when
applied to life results in two totally difference results. It’s another way of saying that our words
have consequences.
The continuity of God's Word is seen repeatedly as
you compare the words of Solomon in Proverbs with other portions of Scripture.
Solomon writes, "Better a crust with peace and quiet than a house
full of feasting, with strife" (17:1), and "Starting a quarrel
is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out" (17:14).
The apostle Paul writes of this in Romans: "If it is
possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone" (12:18).
Getting the last word is not wisdom. "A fool finds no
pleasure in understanding but delights in airing his own opinions" (18.2).
God is saying that fools like to hear themselves talk!
People who are always talking but never listening
will at some point discover they have no one to talk to! And those who attempt to answer people’s
questions without really listening are described in this way: "He who answers before listening -
that is his folly and his shame" (18:13). These words are intended to give wisdom to those who
read them. Remember, God says that
listening and speaking must be two sides of the same coin. The wise man does both ... at the appropriate
times! "A man of knowledge uses
words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even- tempered. Even a fool
is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue" (17:27-28).
How you speak reveals the attitude of your heart
and whether or not you have learned wisdom from the Lord. Learning to
listen and to hold your tongue at the appropriate times will allow your words
to be heard when you actually have something important to say! Those who
know the Lord desire to speak His truth, not our own opinions. If we
always speak more than we listen our audience will be small, and it should be
our prayer that everyone hears God's Word and comes to know Jesus Christ as
their Savior and Lord. So we need to heed the counsel of Solomon as he speaks
the words the Spirit of God gave him.
Interspersed with wisdom concerning our tongues is wisdom
about our relationships with others that are so affected by our words. "Children's
children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children"
(17:6). Family relationships are so often broken in this world where
there seems to be little respect for others, and children learn early how to
behave - often from the wrong sources. For this proverb to be true
parents must take the initiative early in teaching their children the truths
revealed in God's Word and point them to Jesus Christ to help them overcome
their sinful nature (yes, children have a sinful nature, too!). Children
need to be taught to choose their friends wisely: "A friend loves
at all times, and a brother is born for adversity" (17:17). Many
people have gone down the path of destruction because of harmful associations
early in life. It DOES matter who your friends are!
Ultimately, it comes down to this: "There
is a friend who sticks closer than a brother" (18:24). There is
only ONE who qualifies as THE friend who will always be there for those who
know Him: Jesus Christ. By His Word and Spirit Jesus speaks to you
and me and walks with us through this life. With everything that is going
on all around us every day, He is faithful and the knowledge of His love and
grace and presence brings joy to the soul of those who love Him back. "A
cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones" (17:22).
"The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it
and are safe" (18:10).
Make it your desire to gain knowledge from the Lord
that leads to wisdom. Then apply God's wisdom to your life every day,
understanding that each day belongs to Him. Whatever you plan, be sure
that God is in the middle of it - whether it is a day of work or vacation, a
time with family or time spent alone or with friends ... set your heart and
mind on things above and make it your goal to please the Lord today and He WILL
be with you and give you a cheerful spirit to sustain you.
And remember, the tongue ... YOUR tongue ... has
the power of life and death today. Use your words wisely, to build up and
not tear down. Speak truth in love and ask God to use you to speak a word
of encouragement or correction or peace to someone else. And be ready to
listen as God sends someone else to speak to you. In so doing, you will
honor the Lord and grow in wisdom as you use this day to serve Him!
"O Lord, my God, as I go through each day
remind me that You have called me to be an ambassador of Your kingdom ... a
kingdom so many around me do not know exists. Give me wisdom to use my
words wisely and to be as ready to listen as I am to speak. Help me to
discern when to hold my tongue and when to speak truth, and give me an attitude
of humility and compassion toward those whom I meet. You are my God and I
rest in You. May my life give You joy today, in Jesus' name, Amen"
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