May 29, 2020
The book of Proverbs is a collection of short sayings in the Old Testament meant to instill wisdom in God’s people. As we read, it is important to remember that a proverb is a statement which is generally true in principle, not a universally true promise. Let’s dig into the Word together and allow the Lord to shape our hearts, our minds, and our lives in his wisdom over the next month!
Notice how the author highlights life-giving wisdom in the use of our mouth, lips, or words. In this chapter “speech” is highlighted at least 8 times (verses 6, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 22, 25). Within the sentence structure in an individual verse the writer usually emphasizes a positive and negative impact. However, in verse 14 notice the development of an idea and a positive, future impact on the whole person.
This verse is a great reminder to us about why we are to speak the truth and how the truth, when spoken, becomes more and more fruitful over time. Consistent truth and integrity lead to trust and trustworthiness with God and people.
Righteous speech blesses others and it also impacts your own life. The writer mentions that the spoken fruit will come back to bless the speaker. Moreover, the Hebrew wording here implies that God Himself is active in blessing the speaker of truth!
Proverbs 12
12 Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge,
but he who hates reproof is stupid.
2 A good man obtains favor from the Lord,
but a man of evil devices he condemns.
3 No one is established by wickedness,
but the root of the righteous will never be moved.
4 An excellent wife is the crown of her husband,
but she who brings shame is like rottenness in his bones.
5 The thoughts of the righteous are just;
the counsels of the wicked are deceitful.
6 The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood,
but the mouth of the upright delivers them.
7 The wicked are overthrown and are no more,
but the house of the righteous will stand.
8 A man is commended according to his good sense,
but one of twisted mind is despised.
9 Better to be lowly and have a servant
than to play the great man and lack bread.
10 Whoever is righteous has regard for the life of his beast,
but the mercy of the wicked is cruel.
11 Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread,
but he who follows worthless pursuits lacks sense.
12 Whoever is wicked covets the spoil of evildoers,
but the root of the righteous bears fruit.
13 An evil man is ensnared by the transgression of his lips,
but the righteous escapes from trouble.
14 From the fruit of his mouth a man is satisfied with good,
and the work of a man’s hand comes back to him.
15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes,
but a wise man listens to advice.
16 The vexation of a fool is known at once,
but the prudent ignores an insult.
17 Whoever speaks the truth gives honest evidence,
but a false witness utters deceit.
18 There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts,
but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
19 Truthful lips endure forever,
but a lying tongue is but for a moment.
20 Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil,
but those who plan peace have joy.
21 No ill befalls the righteous,
but the wicked are filled with trouble.
22 Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord,
but those who act faithfully are his delight.
23 A prudent man conceals knowledge,
but the heart of fools proclaims folly.
24 The hand of the diligent will rule,
while the slothful will be put to forced labor.
25 Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down,
but a good word makes him glad.
26 One who is righteous is a guide to his neighbor,
but the way of the wicked leads them astray.
27 Whoever is slothful will not roast his game,
but the diligent man will get precious wealth.
28 In the path of righteousness is life,
and in its pathway there is no death.
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
Family Discussion Question:
- How does the way that we use our words impact the course of our lives? Why are words so powerful to build up or to destroy, and how can we make sure we are using them in a way that honors the Lord?
Dear Heavenly Father,
We are all going through this wonderful life and world that You created. Its journey is unknown to us and we all need You, our Creator, to navigate us through it. You have given us instruction in Your Word . If we choose to follow it, we will be wise and live a fruitful and righteous life. If not, we will be as fools and reap only heartache and ruin. Our tongue is a very powerful weapon. It can destroy or lift up. Please Lord, help me to always be mindful of my words before I utter them. Give me wisdom so that I may discern and choose my words cautiously. Let them glorify You and lead others to You. We all need encouragement, especially in trying times like these. Help me to use my words so as to calm, ensure, direct, encourage, or persuade others in a positive and meaningful way and lead them to You. I want to delight You and be a light for You in this dark world. Help me, I pray, to always shine and edify You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Amen.
Gracias padre amado por tú palabra, ayúdanos señor ayúdanos ser sabios en tus enseñanza a caminar por tu vía y no equivocarme porque en este mundo difícil y oscuro queremos que brille siempre tú luz que seas tú mi señor el único a guiar nuestros pasos para que seamos luz en el mundo en nombre y por amor a Cristo nuestro señor amén ?
Thank you, Jan. That will be my prayer too. I want to be slow to speak and slow to anger! Father, let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer. I confess, I have too often spoken without thinking and it can be very hurtful to the one to whom I speak.
I have asked forgiveness and pray that the Holy Spirit who lives within me will guide and direct my thoughts and words before I open my mouth. I pray this in your Son’s precious and holy name. Amen
Amen
Amen
Amen!
This was a wonderful and beautiful prayer. I will use this prayer too. Thank you
Proverbs 12:25 “Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.” Lord, help me find someone to encourage today. Amen.
Pat thank you for a reminder of actually “looking “ for a specific person today to encourage.
Proverbs 12:18 – “… words of the wise bring healing.” (NLT)
Proverbs 12:25 – “… an encouraging word cheers a person up.” (NLT)
Proverbs 1226 – “The godly give good advice to their friends;” (NLT)
Our words hold the power of healing, encouragement, and good advice for someone’s life or they can speak cutting remarks and lies that lead people astray.
Lord,
I really want to use my words to speak life today. Slow me down before I speak so I can choose my words wisely.
In Your sweet name, I pray.
Amen.
Amen!
Those who act faithfully are His delight. One who is righteous is a guide to his neighbor. In the path of righteousness is life,
Father, lead me always on the path of the righteous. May my words always glorify Your name.
As someone who makes a living teaching others to use their words effectively and appropriately, I am ever so humbled at the power that our tongue has to build and destroy relationships. My prayer is that the Lord gives me wisdom to choose words that build up my relationships and thus is glorified. Although I rarely tell my college students that it is the Lord that empowers my words, my prayer is that they see Christ shining through my actions and words. That they see that choosing good and wisdom is how God intended them to live – to seek the truth of Christ with our words empowers us! Ultimately building relationships with each others and connecting us to our Lord and Savior – the ultimate supreme relationship!
Lord give me the right words to come out of my mouth so that I can continue to think more positive than negative thoughts.
Father, help me taste my words before I speak them. If they are sour words, help me hold my tongue. If they are sweet words, good words, uplifting words, may I shout them from the roof top. Amen
“16 The vexation of a fool is known at once,
but the prudent ignores an insult.”
Lord, allow me to rule over my emotions, and for my emotions to not rule over me by being willing and able to listen, reject lies but receiving truth that will allow me to learn and grow.
Amen! This verse spoke to me also!
A gentle word, a kind look, and a good-natured smile can work wonders and accomplish miracles.
As always I am so blessed by the prayers before I comment or pray. God is so good and I love being a part of this devotional. I am so appreciative of the prayers that are shared.
My comment is that for over 20
years and to this day, I pray daily that God will convict me of the things that I say and do that aren’t pleasing in his sight. This gives me the opportunity to pray for forgiveness and I can go back to that person and asked for forgiveness. It is amazing how dangerous our tongues can be when we aren’t seeking and asking God daily to hold our tongues and only allow us to speak and say what he wants us to share with others.
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for conviction and forgiveness as I don’t always use my tongue in the manner that I should. I love that you love me and give me the opportunity to go back and rectify when I blow it. I also love that the main gift that you have given me is to encourage and uplift others with my voice. Thank you for being a Good Good Father. In Jesus name. Amen.
Amen!
amen
A wise man listens to advice. The tongue of the wise brings healing. Those who act faithfully are His delight. Lord, help me think before I speak & help me to be uplifting to others. Help me listen to Godly advice. Thank you for all my blessings. In Jesus Name, Amen
Lord, please hear my prayers. Thank you for your guidance and provision!
I love you so much!!!
Nadia