Proverbs 15

PROVERBS 15

"A gentle answer turns away wrath,
But a harsh word stirs up anger.
The tongue of the wise makes knowledge acceptable,
But the mouth of fools spouts folly."
(vs 1-2)

The Complete Jewish Bible translates -

"A gentle response deflects fury,
but a harsh word makes tempers rise.
The tongue of the wise presents knowledge well,
but the mouth of a fool spews out folly."
(vs 1-2) CJB

We’ve read in Proverbs 12 & 13 recently about the power of our words; how they can tear down, or how they can bring Life. When we are at work or school, can others see Christ in us, by the things we say and do? As we congregate in church, or gather with friends, is our speech edifying? As we share with our families, and teach our children, are the words we use full of the wisdom of the Lord?

Peter exhorts us - "All of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling (or insult for insult), but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing. For -“ He who would love lifeAnd see good days, Let him refrain his tongue from evil, And his lips from speaking deceit." - 1 Pet 3:8-10

And rather than, as our Adamic nature would be inclined to do, lash back at those who belittle or persecute us for our beliefs, he tells us to act in righteousness and...
"Sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asks you a reason of the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear." - 1 Pet 3:15

That hope that is within us. The hope of the gospel, the hope of salvation, of glory, of a coming Kingdom of righteousness, the hope of Eternal Life. May we be prepared always to share that hope with those who ask us, to those who see the Light of Christ shining in us, to those who want to know how we can keep from falling apart even through difficult circumstances.

Dear saints, may we, as followers of the Lord Jesus Christ, grasp hold of that hope, live in His Light and, as Paul writes - "Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man." - Col 4:6

"The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, But the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things."
(vs 28)


"The eyes of the LORD are in every place,
Watching the evil and the good.
A soothing tongue is a tree of life,
But perversion in it crushes the spirit."
(vs 3-4)

The Word often links sinful behavior and perverse speech together, and condemns them both. Addressing the Christian church, the Holy Spirit, through Paul, says -
"Among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk, or course joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving." - Eph 5:3

"Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in Thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer." - Psalm 19:14

Foul language has no place in the Kingdom of God. Even if no one around us hears, the spiritual realm is aware. "The eyes of the Lord are in every place." The heavenly host is watching -

"Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us. Looking unto Jesus..." - Heb 12:1-2a

This was a problem for me a few years ago. Swearing and blasphemy were a large portion of my daily vocabulary when I was living in the world, and caring mainly about myself. When God got a hold of me, He clearly showed me in the Scriptures that He will not accept swearing and foul language. Such talk will hinder us from entering into His presence. Paul writes -

"Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth..." - Eph 4:29

and -

"Put to death what is earthly in you: immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the wrath of God is coming...Put away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and foul talk from your mouth." - Col 3:5-8

When we find this spirit of folly come upon us in our times of human weakness and vulnerability, may we turn even more toward God, and make a stand for what we know is right. I pray each of us would ever be a light and a blessing to those around us, always mindful of the witness that our lives show forth.

"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for the building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." - Eph 4:29

I’m grateful for the Truth the Lord has shown me regarding power of our words. My struggle in this area has become less and less over the last decade, as I keep my focus on Jesus, and allow Him to cleanse me from all unrighteousness. Brothers & sisters, let us know that He can deliver us from any sin or bondage, if we come humbly to His throne, and confess it before Him with a repentant heart.

May each one of us be continually growing in the knowledge of our Lord, overcoming by His strength, and dwelling in His Presence.

Peace & blessings,

Michael


The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD,
But the words of the pure are pleasant
(vs 26)