Read Proverbs 12:15-28

This morning I was moved by what is said about how we speak.  Speaking is the way we communicate, and to communicate in a manner that is destructive or hurtful is not the way a Christian should utilize his tongue.  The words of a Christian should enlighten and encourage.   Notice the following verses on this subject: 

12:17 He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit. Telling the truth demonstrates righteousness. In contrast, a dishonest individual will lie.  One known to be deceitful will lie, even under oath. A just man will tell the truth.

12:18 There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health. A sharp tongue can pierce like a sword. But the tongue of a wise person heals.  The greater truth is that fools use their tongue like a sword. The wise seek to heal with their tongue.

12:19 The lip of truth shall be established forever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment. Honesty and truthfulness will produce a long-lasting reputation. However, a lying tongue brings only short-lived benefits. Whatever advantage which might accrue from lying quickly evaporates as the truth is eventually made known. In contrast, truthfulness and honesty have long-term benefits.

12:22 Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight. God takes a very dim view of a liar. Because lying is the quintessence of Satan (John 8:44), it is particularly abominable to God. In Proverbs 6:16-17, lying lips are described as something which God hates. The word translated as truly, in its most basic sense, means ‘faithfulness’ or ‘faithfully.’ Therefore, in contrast to those who are liars, God delights in those who are faithful and true. Once again, the contrast between honesty and dishonesty is at hand. God loves the one and hates the other.

12:25 Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad. Burdens in life bring discouragement— they weigh on one’s spirit. However, an encouraging word can lift another’s spirit. There is wisdom in seeking to encourage others.

Finally, verse 28 is a summary of the blessings of living right.  Are you living the way God wants you to live?  "In the way of righteousness is life; and in the pathway thereof there is no death." All which has been described in this chapter is thus summarized. In righteous living is both quantity and quality of life. Unrighteousness is sin, which inevitably leads to death. One who finds righteousness in Christ will live forever. Furthermore, righteous living, in the meantime, will produce fullness and richness of life. God blesses righteousness, and righteous living produces a far richer life.

I hope these words about how and what we speak were helpful.

Your Friend and HIS,

Pastor Abbott

MEDITATIONS

1.  Would you characterize your tongue as being helpful or hurtful?  

2.  What can you do to become an encourager rather than a destroyer?

3.  Is there someone who is discouraged, for whom you can pray, whom you can call or visit, to encourage through your words?

4.  Take a moment to contrast the consequential results of righteousness and unrighteousness.  How are you living today?