Friday, December 27, 2013

SIH’s Think On These Things: Proverbs 16:21-24


He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous (Prov 2:7)

The Intervention of The Lord: Wise Speech: Proverbs 16:21-24
21) The wise in heart shall be called prudent: and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning.
22) Understanding [is] a wellspring of life unto him that hath it: but the instruction of fools [is] folly.
23) The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips.
24) Pleasant words [are as] an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.


EXPOSITION:

In verses 21-24, the Lord teaches us that, as He works in the life of the wise,  it enables him to speak beneficial words for those around him…

21) The wise in heart shall be called prudent: and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning.
1.  The person who applies the teachings of God’s Word to his desires and thoughts will be recognized as possessing discernment (the ability to see the true nature of things).
2.  The speech of the wise is pleasant and adds to the hearers knowledge

When we receive wisdom from the Lord, both our actions and our speech will result in respect for us and benefits to others.

But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, [and] easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.   (James 3:17)

The Lord GOD hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to [him that is] weary: he wakeneth morning by morning, he wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned.   (Isaiah 50:4)



22) Understanding [is] a wellspring of life unto him that hath it: but the instruction of fools [is] folly.
1.  The ability to view all sides of an issue will be a source of strength and benefit for our temporal life and eternal life with the Lord.
2.  For those who lack this ability, their teachings are valueless for our lives.

When we are able to see all sides of an issue, we are able to better understand the proper decision we are to make and the ramifications of those decisions.  The fool, who lacks this ability, fails in dealing with the issues they face.

The words of a man's mouth [are as] deep waters, [and] the wellspring of wisdom [as] a flowing brook.   (Proverbs 18:4)



23) The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips.
When our desires and thoughts are in alignment with God’s Word it will be reflected in his speech.   Wisdom will reveal what, when and how to speak, as well as giving him the words that should be spoken. 

The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, and his tongue talketh of judgment.  The law of his God [is] in his heart; none of his steps shall slide.   (Psalms 37:30-31)
   


24) Pleasant words [are as] an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.
When suitable words are spoken at the proper time, they are pleasant, of great benefit, and give forth strength and healing to those to whom they are given.

“The law of the LORD [is] perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD [is] sure, making wise the simple.  The statutes of the LORD [are] right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD [is] pure, enlightening the eyes.  The fear of the LORD [is] clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD [are] true [and] righteous altogether.  More to be desired [are they] than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.   Moreover by them is thy servant warned: [and] in keeping of them [there is] great reward.   (Psalms 19:7-11)



SUMMARY:

Due to the Lord’s intervention in the speech and teaching of the wise:
1.  our speech will result in respect for us and benefits to others.
2.  through wise counsel, we are able to better understand the proper decision we are to make and the ramifications of those decisions. 
3.  wisdom will reveal what, when and how to speak, as well as giving him the words that should be spoken. 
4.  suitable words are spoken at the proper time and are pleasant, of great benefit, strengthening, and healing to those to whom they are given.

By God’s grace, let us all study these proverbs diligently, giving them the value that they deserve.

May the Lord bless us as we receive this sound wisdom and then “Think On These Things”.



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