He
layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous (Prov 2:7)
Wise Attitudes: Guarding Our Speech: Proverbs
13:2-4
2) A man shall eat good by the fruit of [his] mouth: but the soul of the transgressors [shall eat] violence.
3) He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: [but] he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.
4) The soul of the sluggard desireth, and [hath] nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.
EXPOSITION:
2) A man shall eat good by the fruit of [his] mouth: but the soul of the transgressors [shall eat] violence.
1. When a man speaks helpful words of wisdom to
others, he will benefit by being appreciated and blessed by those he has helped
2. Those whose speech is sinful (demeaning, injuring
and taking advantage of others) will have returned upon him opposition, harm
and retribution by the Lord and those he has hurt.
We
can only expect to reap what we sow…. this principle certainly applies to the
words of our mouth as well as our actions and lifestyles. There is a direct connection between how we
speak to others and how they will treat us in return. The quality of our life on earth can be
greatly influenced by the words that proceed out of our mouths.
“Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep
the door of my lips.” (Psalms 141:3)
“The LORD shall cut off all
flattering lips, [and] the tongue that speaketh proud things: Who have said, With our
tongue will we prevail; our lips [are] our own: who [is] lord over us?” (Psalms 12:3-4)
3) He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: [but] he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.
1.
The treatment of those around us is an indicator
of our spiritual condition before God. Those who recognize and appreciate the
eternal life they have been given, also recognize of the need to control their speech
and use it to help others and honor God .
They do this out of love for God and those around them.
Remember,
the basic principle that a proof of our love for the Lord is keeping His
commands (John 14:21). What are the two
greatest commands? To love God supremely
and others as ourselves. (Matt 22:37-40) By using our speech correctly we can fulfill
both of these commands and display our love for Him.
2. Those who speak rashly with no consideration
of the Lord’s desires, nor the feelings and needs of others, is indicative of
the lost who are awaiting future, eternal destruction.
Our
speech, as an indicator of our spiritual condition, reflects on the possession
or lack of eternal life awaiting them.
“For by thy words thou
shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.” (Matthew 12:37)
4) The soul of the sluggard desireth, and [hath] nothing: but the soul
of the diligent shall be made fat.
Based
on the above principles….
1. Those who are lazy in the guarding of their
speech will end up with no physical, spiritual, nor eternal prosperity.
2. Those who are determined and eager to wisely guard
their speech will end up flourishing in all areas of our lives.
Do
we desire the blessings of God and the favor of others? Let’s use our speech wisely for the good of
God, others and ourselves.
“But, beloved, we are
persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we
thus speak. For God [is] not
unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward
his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. And we desire that every
one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the
end: That ye be not slothful,
but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” (Hebrews 6:9-12)
SUMMARY:
Our
speech can lead to blessings, a wonderful testimony and the pleasure of God
when used properly. For those whose
lifestyle is characterized by misusing their speech we find only sadness,
heartache, and judgment awaiting them.
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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