WISE WORDS (2)

“The TONGUE of the WISE uses knowledge rightly, but the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness” – Proverbs 15:2

God’s Wisdom for Winning in Life is projected through WISE WORDS: “The TONGUE of the WISE uses knowledge rightly, but the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness” (Pro.15:2). We have the choice every day to walk the road of folly with the tongue or the Way of wisdom. We have the choice and the responsibility to speak Wise Words, and the option to avoid pouring forth foolishness.

The Wise avoid Foolish Words: These are often more socially destructive than sensational sins such as adultery. As we examine the foolish use of words, let’s ask ourselves which ones we are most tempted by and lean on God to eradicate them from our lives.

Fools Create Strife: “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (v.1). The end result of foolish communication is to divide and fracture relationships: “A fool’s lips enter into contention, and his mouth calls for blows” (Pro.18:6). Christians must be zealous for unity in the bond of peace (Jh.17:21; Eph.4:3). God views unity with the highest importance, and so must we. We must not use our lips to fracture the body. We must repent of using foolish speech and giving an ear to foolish speech.

Fools Lie: “Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who deal truthfully are His delight” (Pro.12:22). People because of: Fear, shame, vengeance, or cowardice. Christians have been called to truth by Him who is Truth. God hates “A false witness who speaks lies and one who sows discord among brethren” (Pro.6:19). God never lies; and neither should we His people!

Fools Flatter: “A lying tongue hates those who are crushed by it, and a flattering mouth works ruin” (Pro.26:28). Flattery is just as dangerous as lying. Flattery includes excessive and insincere praise, especially that given to further one's own interests. Flattery may not be malicious, but it’s always dangerous. Flattery may allow people to put confidence in skills that they do not possess: “A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet.” (Pro.29:5)

Fools Gossip: “A talebearer reveals secrets, but he who is of a faithful spirit conceals a matter” (Pro.11:13). Gossip can be deadly: “Debate your case with your neighbor, and do not disclose the secret to another” (Pro.29:5). Gossip has destroyed countless lives, and relationships have scattered because of someone’s misrepresented, manipulating gossip. We are guilty of gossip when we repeat that which is not worthy of repeating. Ending gossip involves both the gossiper and the listener: “He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with one who flatters with his lips” (Pro.20:19). If the whisperer has no one to whisper to, gossip will cease: “Where there is no wood, the fire goes out; and where there is no talebearer, strife ceases” (Pro.26:20).

The Wise heed Words of Correction: “Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid” (Pro.12:1). Biblical communication requires us to correct and admonish one another. Most people avoid correction or rebuke. We do not want to give correction because of the possibility of hurting someone we care about. Withholding corrections actually does more to hurt the people we care about. It is a form of selfishness. We are afraid more of how we will be received than the good of our brethren in Christ.

The other reason we do not offer correction is that people do not take correction kindly. In the flesh, we want to defend ourselves when corrected. The righteous should delight in correction because it leads us deeper into wisdom. The love of discipline is a sign we love the knowledge of the Lord. Resisting reproof is a projection of pride and self-righteousness: “A wise son heeds his father’s instruction, but a scoffer does not listen to rebuke” (Pro.13:1). As the words we say indicate the spiritual health of our hearts, so too how we hear and listen to rebuke: “Rebuke is more effective for a wise man than a hundred blows on a fool” (Pro.17:10).