I looked and looked for another angle to take on this chapter, but it is inescapable: Solomon is tunnel-visioned on the impact of words in the daily course of our lives. It is one of the major themes throughout the book of Proverbs.
The connection between wisdom and words is profound. Which leads us to the conclusion that we really cannot begin to attain wisdom without greatly maturing in our use of words.
Which passages really brought that point home to you today?
I was struck by several verses but found verse 15-"Through patience a ruler can be persuaded and a gentle tongue can break a bone." to be compelling. I was thinking about how carefully and prayerfully chosen words spoken to an unbeliever or someone in crisis, can change their lives instantly. And so often I put little, if any, thought as to what comes out of my mouth. What if I spent more time choosing my words rather than spouting off? What differences would be made in my life as well as those I come in contact with. I agree with Rick that I have alot of maturing to do in this area.
ReplyDeleteI was also struck by verses 16-17-"if you find honey, eat just enough-too much of it and you will vomit. Seldom set foot in a neighbors house-too much of you and he will hate you." We have a saying in our house, "everything in moderation" Whether the desire is ice cream or exercise or video games or sports, we tend to over obsess on things that seem good to us. We are constantly reminding ourselves and the kids that anything-anything-that becomes more important than God and more important than our goodwill for our neighbor(or brother or spouse or friend) is not a good thing and it has to be moderated or terminated.
• 25:20 Like one who takes away a garment on a cold day, or like vinegar poured on soda, is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.
ReplyDelete• 25:11 A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.
Recently I asked some friends who have been through particularly trying circumstances to post a list of the comments they received that were the most helpful, and another list of comments in the category of "please NEVER say this to somebody who has just [fill in the blank]." I can't help pairing up these verses! None of us likes to see a friend sad and miserable. Our first impulse is to try to cheer them up -- not a bad goal, actually -- but if we're not careful we can actually make things worse! Lord, give us ears to hear how our words come across; may they always be appropriately suited to the need or occasion for which they are spoken!
Verses 7-11 are really catching my attention. Verse 7 is about not use class and dignity than to embarrass someone in public. Verse 8 is a warning about disputes and how caution should be exercised at all times. Verse 10--Words that cut down=bad reputation; however, encouraging words=good reputation. I like the latter better. Verse 11--the Fruit of wisdom(a.k.a. the Tree of Life).
ReplyDeleteI also like verse 15--a gentle tongue can do wonders.
ReplyDeleteVss. 21-22
ReplyDelete21 If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat;
if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.
22 In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head,
and the LORD will reward you.
Paul recalls these verses in Romans 12 as he attempts to calm to the persecuted church in Rome, perhaps among the most ravaged disciples of Christ in history.
I really see his teachings here as a discipline. I'm not sure that the FIRST time I choose to bless your enemy, I'm going to feel real good about it. With every bite I afford them or drink I pour, I'll probably be much like the child who, when they ask, "WHY!?!?" are told byt he parent, "Because I said so."
There is something beyond our human understanding that takes place when we follow this advice of Solomon. A change in us AND a change in the offender. This passage ends with words not written in Romans:
"and the LORD will reward you." What I have come to understand somewhat is that in "heaping burning coals on his head," I am actually being used by God to REWARD the offender with a gift God uses frequently on His own...REFINEMENT.