The Words of the Wise   Scripture Reading: Proverbs 21:23 - 24

“Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut, and you will stay out of trouble. Mockers are proud and haughty; they act with boundless arrogance.”  

Often times I am amazed at the way in which people are so quick to speak out words into the air about circumstances or individuals. Many times these folks are in this group that would be described in the last part of today's text, those who are proud and speak over others with a bold confidence of their rights to be doing so, day after day.

‘The Words of the Wise’, are not like this in any way. Not only do godly people mind their manners, but they mind their mouths also, realizing that if they keep their mouths shut in many instances they will avoid trouble both for themselves and for others.

It was our Lord Jesus Christ that told us that it is what is inside of our heart that will eventually flow out of our mouth. If there is anger, rage, bitterness, malice and strife in our heart, then these human characteristics are what will flow freely with a fire in the belly from one’s mouth. On the other hand, if the heart is filled with a sense of love, mercy, grace, compassion, kindness, gentleness and long-suffering, it is these Spirit led characteristics that will flow from our lips, with the fruit of the Holy Spirit in our hearts. In these instances, we will be those who are quick to build up, encourage, strengthen and edify others, knowing that our words that we allow to proceed from our lips have the power to give bring life or death to those we direct them towards or those who listen to them.

As those who not only want to stay out of trouble, but want to advance the purposes of God in the lives of others, we will be quick to surrender our heart, lives, loves and tongues to the Lord Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit will direct us to speak words only that are helpful to others, rather than complaining or criticizing them. In this way when people hear what we say, they will be drawn to us, and the effect of what these words have done will be to build up and not tear down or destroy.     

Prayer My Father in heaven I come to You once again this day and ask for Your grace and wisdom to fill my heart and life. May the words that I choose to speak, not be those that set a forest on fire and bring destruction to any. Rather may they be those that are directed from Your Spirit, and welcome His working both in my life and in the lives of those who hear what I choose to say. I surrender my heart, mind and words to You once again this day through Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen.  

Memory Verse: Proverbs 3:9 “______ the _____ with your _______ and with the best part of everything you produce.”