Proverbs 25:11

The book of Proverbs gives us insights into so many different areas of life. The book gives us instruction on how to live our lives for God. Here is a proverb that gives us insight about the tongue:

Proverbs 25:11 (ESV)

A word fitly spoken

is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.

Proverbs 25:15 (ESV)

With patience a ruler may be persuaded,

and a soft tongue will break a bone.

Proverbs 25:23 (ESV)

The north wind brings forth rain,

and a backbiting tongue, angry looks.

What does your tongue look like?  In the above three proverbs we are given some guidelines on what we are supposed to do with our tongue, our speech.   In 25:11 we are told that a word “fitly” spoken carries the value and beauty of golden apples in a silver bowl.    The Hebrew word for “fitly” is actually the same word for “wheel” in this proverb:

Proverbs 25:12 (ESV)

Like a gold ring or an ornament of gold

is a wise reprover to a listening ear.

So, a tongue that carries a “fit” word can reprove others and carry them to the right place.  

In verse 15 we read that a soft tongue can be powerful enough to “break a bone.”  This means that using our words carefully we can persuade and influence even the highest in the land, the ruler or king.  

In verse 23, however, we see the opposite of the the first two.  A “fitly” spoken word and a “soft tongue” can move hearts and minds.  But, a “backbiting tongue” brings anger just like a north wind can bring rain.   The use of the tongue in the wrong way also moves minds.  But, it moves them to a place of anger and destruction.   

How we use our tongue on a given day can bring sweet or bitter results.   Our tongue is a powerful tool in our arsenal for the day:

Proverbs 20:26 (ESV)

A wise king winnows the wicked

and drives the wheel over them.

That seems odd!  A word that “wheels” from the tongue is like golden apples?   Perhaps in our modern day vernacular we might say, “A word that rolls off the tongue right is a tasty thing.”   The point Solomon is making is that when we use our words in the right way we can move and carry powerful movement in the minds of others.  In fact the next verse that follows this proverb states:

 James 3:5-10 (ESV)

So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things.

How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. 

Proverbs 24:9

The book of Proverbs gives us insights into so many different areas of life. The book gives us instruction on how to live our lives for God. Here is a proverb that gives us insight about dealing with a scoffer:

Proverbs 24:9 (ESV)

The devising of folly is sin,

and the scoffer is an abomination to mankind.

We tend to think of sin as an act or behavior that is contrary to the character of God. However, in this proverb, Solomon tells us that just the "devising" of folly is sin. So, the mere thought or planning of sin is sin, not simply the act. The second line shows us even more depth in regard to sin and its character. "Scoffing" is also seen, even by men, as an "abomination." It is import to realize that our heart and attitude of mind is sin; something falling short of the glory and the character of God. We have to realize that the thought of sinning is sinning. We don't need an act to become a sinner. Our sin nature is just that; a nature. We need to be weary of allowing our minds to believe that only acts count as sin. It is our very nature that offends God. Our acts are simply outcomes of our nature. When you think your offense toward God is only outward acts you think more about yourself than you should. It is not our acts but who we are that is offensive to God.

Proverbs 23:13-14

The book of Proverbs gives us insights into so many different areas of life. The book gives us instruction on how to live our lives for God. Here is a proverb that gives us insight about discipling children: 

Proverbs 23:13-14 (ESV)

Do not withhold discipline from a child;

if you strike him with a rod, he will not die.

If you strike him with the rod,

you will save his soul from Sheol.

I was raised on the truth of this verse. My parents still believed in the rod and still believed that current discipline will solve many future problems. I didn't understand it then and still struggle with the execution of it today. Solomon is teaching us a lesson that is vital to the society in which we live. We don't have to use this blog space to chronicle what happens when parents fail to discipline their children. But we do have to make sure we see the truth in the reality of discipline. The combination of Godly discipline through parental discretion WILL prevent a child from choices that could lead them to the grave (Sheol). Discipline now will not kill someone but may stop them from killing themselves or others later. We might see plenty of abuse today that is not Godly discipline by parents who are simply trying to inflict harm. But the truth of the verse as fulfilled by Godly parents bears remembering and repeating. Discipline prevents disaster.  Think about the Priest Eli in 1 Samuel.   Notice what God’s word says about the way he parented his boys:

1 Samuel 3:13 (ESV)

And I declare to him that I am about to punish his house forever, for the iniquity that he knew, because his sons were blaspheming God, and he did not restrain them.

God wants us to discipline our children.  Failure to do so amounts in shame for the parents and worse harm to the child. 

Proverbs 22:16

The book of Proverbs gives us insights into so many different areas of life. The book gives us instruction on how to live our lives for God. Here is a proverb that gives us insight about oppressing the poor:

Proverbs 22:16 (NASBStr)

He who oppresses the poor to make more for himself

Or who gives to the rich, will only come to poverty.

Proverbs 22:16 (ESV)

Whoever oppresses the poor to increase his own wealth,

or gives to the rich, will only come to poverty.

You would be hard pressed to make an argument from Scripture for Capitalism.   The shear making of money is not God's plan for man.   With that said, God does not forbid the making of money and accumulation of wealth.   God wants us to use our riches for the promotion of God's work and the Glory of God's name.   Although God does not promote the earning of money for the sake of earning money, He does give us some guidelines about making money.  In the above proverb we see that God talks to us through Solomon's words about how we make money.   Making money, in God's eyes, is not to be on the back of the poor.  Nor is it to be used to impress and buy off the rich.   Making money in the wrong way and using money in the wrong manner are both abhorred by God.   And, He will punish those who do either or both.   We can expect to be in poverty ourselves if we attempt to make money by oppressing the poor.    God is a merciful God.  He does not reward those who don't show mercy.    But, God is also a God who deserves and demands worship.   When we use our money to give to the rich, those who already have money, we are putting them into the place of our worship.  We are using our money to gain access or impression.   God's character is that we honor Him.   Getting money from the poor and giving it to the rich is anti God's character and His Word.

Proverbs 21:6

The book of Proverbs gives us insights into so many different areas of life. The book gives us instruction on how to live our lives for God. Here is a proverb that gives us insight about the tongue:

Proverbs 21:6 (ESV)

The getting of treasures by a lying tongue

is a fleeting vapor and a snare of death.

Solomon has much to say about the tongue in Proverbs.  It is one of his favorite subjects.   In this proverb the first line makes a statement and the second line expands upon it and further develops what the first line states.    It is like a pregnant mother in the first line that gives birth to wonderful children in the second.   But, this proverb also combines the subject of the tongue with one of Solomon's other great themes: Riches and wealth.   He says about as much about wealth as he does the tongue in this great book.   What he says here is that wealth, obtained by a lying tongue, will not only disappear, it will be the same as pursuing death.  When we lie to get wealth we not only lose it quickly we get closer to death (which we should remember in scripture is pursuing us ... Romans 3:23).   Note the following:

Proverbs 13:11 (ESV)

11 Wealth gained hastily will dwindle,

but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.

Proverbs 20:21 (ESV)

21 An inheritance gained hastily in the beginning

will not be blessed in the end.

God reveals to us here that wealth is to be obtained by honesty.   In our list of things we recently read about what "God hates" we read That He hates people who lie:

Proverbs 6:16-17 (ESV)

16 There are six things that the LORD hates,

seven that are an abomination to him:

17 haughty eyes, a lying tongue,

and hands that shed innocent blood,

In Proverbs 11:1 we read that an unjust weight is an abomination to the Lord.  Since "weights" were often used to measure out what was sold for a "fair" price, an uneven or unjust weight would allow those selling to sell less of what they were offering for more money.   God hates those who lie and use falsehood to fill their pockets.   In your business have you ever lied to a customer to solicit more money?  Have you ever tried to take back something to a store to "make money" when you know it was falsehood and lies?  Be careful that you don't quickly violate this proverb for the sake of a few coins.   Judas acquired treasure by a lying tongue and soon overtook death.

Proverbs 20:7

The book of Proverbs gives us insights into so many different areas of life. The book gives us instruction on how to live our lives for God. Here is a proverb that gives us insight about what the righteous gives their children: 

Proverbs 20:7 (ESV)

The righteous who walks in his integrity—

blessed are his children after him!

If you could buy a ticket that would provide all your kids would need for the rest of your life, how much would you pay for it?  Some think a lotto ticket would be the thing that would provide the security they need for the present and the future. Solomon tells us, however, in the above proverb, that the best thing we can do as adults is to live a righteous life. By doing so, it will bring blessings to our children. What if each time we do something that saddens God, He removes a blessing from our children? Would you keep doing it? Imagine walking in the rain with an umbrella. But, you hold the umbrella over just you, not your kids. Living a righteous life, through the provision "in Christ", is like having an umbrella over our heads and our kids. How are you holding yours? Are you covering just you?   Paul repeats a similar theme in 1 Corinthians 7.  Note what he says:

1 Corinthians 7:14

For the unbelieving husband is made holy because of his wife, and the unbelieving wife is made holy because of her husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy.

Paul is NOT saying that the righteousness of one person "covers" the righteous needs for another.   What he is saying is that as we walk in a life IN Christ, we put our children at a better place to live for Christ as well.  We can be that "umbrella" in their life.  They still have to live their own life for Christ, but when we walk in righteousness and integrity, we live for God and for our children.  

Proverbs 19:9

The book of Proverbs gives us insights into so many different areas of life. The book gives us instruction on how to live our lives for God. Here is a proverb that gives us insight about lying:

Proverbs 19:9 (ESV)
A false witness will not go unpunished,
and he who breathes out lies will perish.

It is doubtful that our society knows how serious God is about lying.  However, they should.   One of the Ten Commandments states plainly that, "Thou shalt not bear false witness."    When Christ was on the face of the earth He insulted the Pharisees, deliberately, that they were like their father the devil, a liar from the beginning.    Satan lied in the Garden.   That lead Adam and Eve astray.   God tells us in this proverb that a false witness will not go unpunished.   He who tells a lie will perish.   This is not soft speaking terms.   This is a bold declaration by God through the words of Solomon that He will not ignore false statements.   God is the God of truth.   He does not mix half-truth, or quarter-truth, or tenth-truths.  He is all truth.  Lying and stretching the truth are not different to Him.   We have to understand the importance of truth in God's character.   We are told that the "truth will set us free" by Christ.   That means that even a small lie can have a prison affect on us.   Don't get locked up in your own version of the truth.   It will only cause punishment.

Proverbs 18:20

The book of Proverbs gives us insights into so many different areas of life. The book gives us instruction on how to live our lives for God. Here is a proverb that gives us insight about the connection between our heart, our tongue and satisfaction:

Proverbs 18:20 (ESV)

From the fruit of a man’s mouth his stomach is satisfied;

he is satisfied by the yield of his lips.

This proverb is a theme that Solomon has touched on many times in Proverbs.  In Proverbs 12:14 he says basically the same thing:

Proverbs 12:14

From the fruit of his mouth a man is satisfied with good,

and the work of a man's hand comes back to him.

In verse seven of this same chapter he speaks to the opposite side of this proverb by telling us a fool's mouth yields nothing for him:

Proverbs 18:7

A fool's mouth is his ruin,

and his lips are a snare to his soul.

So, what can we learn here in 18:20?   Solomon is telling us what can happen when we use our language and our tongue productively.   But, before we speak to that thought let's also recall the connection Solomon makes between the tongue and the heart.   We have to remember that a proper tongue flows from a pure heart.   So, Solomon's thought here is that a pure heart, channeled through a proper tongue will produce food for the stomach.   Lips aren't only for consuming, according to Solomon.   They are also for communication.   Good communication allows us to get jobs, to earn a living in sales, to produce fruit by teamwork, and to convince others of our thoughts that makes us leaders.   Fruit from the mouth comes from faith in the heart.   We can be thankful that God produces fruit when we believe from the heart.  Communication carries consequences.   We can't speak words that hurt and not expect hurt in return.   Perhaps James was reading these proverbs when he wrote the following.   He shows us the power of the tongue:

James 3:3-5

If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things.

How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire!

Proverbs 17:20

The book of Proverbs gives us insights into so many different areas of life. The book gives us instruction on how to live our lives for God. Here is a proverb that gives us insight about a dishonest tongue:

Proverbs 17:20

He who has a crooked mind finds no good, And he who is perverted in his language falls into evil.

Proverbs 17:20 (ESV)

A man of crooked heart does not discover good,

and one with a dishonest tongue falls into calamity. 

A crooked mind and perverted language go together! This proverb is a way for Solomon to tells us about the human experience and how we are controlled from the inside out. When we have corruption in the mind we will express it with the tongue. Another way to say that is, "What's in the well, comes up in the buket." So, what we think in our minds (well) comes up in the bucket (the tongue). If we are no good in our thought process we will be the same in our speech process. We can tell when someone is corrupt in the inside as we listen to their speech. Let's not kid ourselves, bad language is simply an expression of an evil heart. WE don't clean up our tongue without first having God control our hearts and minds. What is in the well come ups in the bucket. Which means we have to clean the heart and mind before we hear pure things on the lips.

Proverbs 16:5

The book of Proverbs gives us insights into so many different areas of life. The book gives us instruction on how to live our lives for God. Here is a proverb that gives us insight about pride of the heart:

Proverbs 16:5 (ESV)

Everyone who is arrogant in heart is an abomination to the LORD;

be assured, he will not go unpunished.

We seldom remember or take this proverb to heart.   Pride is the one thing that will separate us from God faster than any other sin.  Eve was tempted to eat the fruit in the garden because Satan told her she would be like God.  Satan was tossed out of heaven because he desired to be like God.   David fell into sin with a women because, as King, he thought he could have anything he wanted.   King Nebuchadnezzar allowed his pride to lift him up and he was soon eating grass like a cow in the field.  Pride is so, so subtle. In our society we want our children to be proud of themselves.  We want them to have confidence in themselves.   Yet, it is that very pride and confidence we later condemn and control when they attempt to live their life separate from our moral code or framework.  But, worse, pride is an "abomination" to the Lord.   That is a very, very strong word.    Pride is "detestable" to God.  Mankind promotes it but God despises it.  When man thinks so highly of himself he takes away the glory due God.   When we think we have done something really great and really awesome it is really God giving us the ability to do this.   Let's rejoice in what God does in us and for us and let's be alert to pride as it creeps into our lives no matter who pretty it makes itself out to be.  Pride prevents us from confessing sin.  Pride hinders us from recognizing needs in our life.  Pride is the downfall for those who think too highly of themselves.  

Proverbs 15:11

The book of Proverbs gives us insights into so many different areas of life. The book gives us instruction on how to live our lives for God. Here is a proverb that gives us insight about the heart of man:

Proverbs 15:11 (ESV)

Sheol and Abaddon lie open before the Lord,

How much more the hearts of men!

It is hard to hide something from your parents, a teacher and God!!  You can fool your parents and you can make sure the teacher doesn't see you when his/her back is turned.  But, God is not so easily fooled.    God sees all.  He sees the grave (Sheol) and hell (Abaddon).  And, if He can see those, He knows what is in the heart.  He knows what is in the mind.  Man thinks that his thoughts are his own and are hidden from enemy, authority and companion.  However, God even knows the thoughts.   He knows the wicked thoughts and the good thoughts.  He knows the motives and the secret desires.  He knows the lust and the lies.   He knows the wants and the wills.   God knows it all.   What we think we can hide from others we can't hide from Him.  He must laugh as we shut the door and lock it and find our way to the dark place of life.   Yet, nothing is hid from Him.  He knows the very thoughts of the heart.   Rejoice in that or fear that thought.   Either way God is viewing that rejoicing or that fear.   Here is what psalmist says about God knowing our thoughts:

Psalms 139:17-18 (ESV)

How precious to me are your thoughts, O God!

How vast is the sum of them!

If I would count them, they are more than the sand.

I awake, and I am still with you.

The most amazing thing to realize about the above passage is that God knows everything about us and yet the writer states:  I am still with you.   Even though God knows everything about us, He is still with us.   When most people find everything  about us they tend to not want to be around us.   God is the opposite of all that.   He knows everything about us and still stays with us.   

Proverbs 14:18

The book of Proverbs gives us insights into so many different areas of life. The book gives us instruction on how to live our lives for God. Here is a proverb that gives us insight about a quick temper: 

Proverbs 14:17 (ESV)

A man of quick temper acts foolishly,

and a man of evil devices is hated.

Solomon, in the above proverb, is describing two different, but the same, type of people.  In Hebrew poetry the second line of the poem is written to compliment, illustrate, contrast, or illuminate the first line.  This is called Hebrew Parallelism.  In the above proverb the first line states the theme and the second line explains another aspect, or nuance, of the theme.   The theme is a man who is not fearing the Lord.   The line states that it is a foolish man who is quick-tempered.   He is acting foolishly, at least.   The second line widens the narrative of this man and says not only is he quick-tempered and therefore acting foolish, he is actually evil in his approach to life and hated.   In 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1 we have Paul's instruction telling us that the man of God, the Elder, is not to be quick to anger.   He is to be blameless in this area.   Solomon is telling us that the man who lives contrary to God's Word; contrary to the Fear of The Lord, is a man who is foolish, evil and hated.   As you watch someone who is quick-tempered you will soon see the evil in their response.    Note what Solomon says in another proverb about controlling these aspects of our spirits:  

Proverbs 16:32 - "He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, And he who rules his spirit, than he who captures a city."  

Since "self-control" is the Spirit's work, we need to remember that we have to rely on God, by faith, to control our anger and to keep us from evil.  The reason Solomon is telling us that a quick-tempered man is evil is because evilness flows from the heart.   Anger flows from the heart.   Righteous men allow the Spirit to control their anger because they are Spirit filled.

Proverbs 13:10

The book of Proverbs gives us insights into so many different areas of life. The book gives us instruction on how to live our lives for God. Here is a proverb that gives us insight about taking advice:

Proverbs 13:10 (ESV)

By insolence comes nothing but strife,

but with those who take advice is wisdom.

This is a contrasting proverb. The second line is the contrast to the first. When someone gives you advice, especially when your mind is already made up and you know what you are talking about, how do you respond? This proverb tells us that people who show Godly wisdom can “take advice” verses those who are guided by pride. You can tell the spiritual growth of someone based upon their ability to hear, listen and take the advice of those around them. Leadership that doesn’t take advice is grounded in pride, not in Godly wisdom. Follower-ship that can’t listen to the advice of their leaders is wrapped in pride. Wisdom allows you to take advice, while pride breeds quarrels. Those who take advice will be able to stop quarrels before they start. That is spiritual maturity. Those who stomp off and don't listen show their pride.  This proverb tells us that wisdom can be found in the counsel we get from others.  Just a couple of chapters ago, Solomon told us about counselors in our lives:

Proverbs 11:14

Where there is no guidance the people fall,

But in abundance of counselors there is victory.

God speaks to us through the voices of others.  We must always compare what they say to us with Scripture, but that is how God has often talked to those in His family.   Some times we don't listen to them, however.   In 2 Samuel 24 Joab tries to talk King David out of taking a census of the people.  Joab knew it was out of pride (insolence) in David's heart.   David didn't listen and God disciplined the nation for his arrogance.   Sometimes we shouldn't listen.   In Acts 21:10-13 we read about the prophet Agabus giving Paul and others a warning that if Paul were to go to Jerusalem it could be dangerous and cost him his life.   Since Paul was already told by God through the Spirit to go to Jerusalem and dying for Christ was already part of his commission, Paul ignored the "counsel" of Agabus.    Counsel that gives us wisdom that points us to the character of God ought to be followed.  Counsel that directs us away from God ought to be ignored.   But, wisdom is available in Godly counsel.