READING: Proverbs 10-12
TEXTS AND APPLICATION: Many of the sayings for today’s readings address the use of the mouth. The bottom line is this: the wise, righteous man speaks with integrity. Let’s let the Word just speak for itself:
Prov. 10:11 The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.
Prov. 10:13 Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning, but a rod is for the back of the one who lacks sense.
Prov. 10:31-32 The mouth of the righteous produces wisdom, but a perverse tongue will be cut out. The lips of the righteous know what is appropriate, but the mouth of the wicked, only what is perverse.
Prov. 11:13 A gossip goes around revealing a secret, but a trustworthy person keeps a confidence.
Prov. 12:13-14 An evil man is trapped by his rebellious speech, but a righteous one escapes from trouble. A man will be satisfied with good by the words of his mouth, and the work of a man’s hands will reward him.
Prov. 12:18 There is one who speaks rashly, like a piercing sword; but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
Prov. 12:22 Lying lips are detestable to the Lord, but faithful people are His delight.
Our lips are a reflection of our heart. Thus, I’m provoked to ask these kinds of application questions about myself:
- Do I speak truth at all times?
- Is wisdom found in my words when I speak? Do I bring life to others by my words?
- Do my lips really know what is appropriate, or do I cross the line — even rarely — into sin?
- Am I a gossip? Do I delight in the information about others so much so that I can’t wait to tell?
- Do I speak rashly, or do my words bring healing?
PRAYER: Ministry is so much about words that a lying, rash, rebellious, compromising mouth affects everything. Please pray that I can answer the above questions well.
TOMORROW’S READING: Proverbs 13-15
