Right words, right time
Opening Prayer
“May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord” (Psa. 19:14).
Read Proverbs 25:1-28
[1] These are more proverbs of Solomon, compiled by the men of Hezekiah king of Judah: [2] It is the glory of God to conceal a matter; to search out a matter is the glory of kings. [3] As the heavens are high and the earth is deep, so the hearts of kings are unsearchable. [4] Remove the dross from the silver, and a silversmith can produce a vessel; [5] remove wicked officials from the king’s presence, and his throne will be established through righteousness. [6] Do not exalt yourself in the king’s presence, and do not claim a place among his great men; [7] it is better for him to say to you, “Come up here,” than for him to humiliate you before his nobles. What you have seen with your eyes [8] do not bring hastily to court, for what will you do in the end if your neighbor puts you to shame? [9] If you take your neighbor to court, do not betray another’s confidence, [10] or the one who hears it may shame you and the charge against you will stand. [11] Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a ruling rightly given. [12] Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold is the rebuke of a wise judge to a listening ear. [13] Like a snow-cooled drink at harvest time is a trustworthy messenger to the one who sends him; he refreshes the spirit of his master. [14] Like clouds and wind without rain is one who boasts of gifts never given. [15] Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone. [16] If you find honey, eat just enough- too much of it, and you will vomit. [17] Seldom set foot in your neighbor’s house- too much of you, and they will hate you. [18] Like a club or a sword or a sharp arrow is one who gives false testimony against a neighbor. [19] Like a broken tooth or a lame foot is reliance on the unfaithful in a time of trouble. [20] Like one who takes away a garment on a cold day, or like vinegar poured on a wound, is one who sings songs to a heavy heart. [21] 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. [23] Like a north wind that brings unexpected rain is a sly tongue-which provokes a horrified look. [24] Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife. [25] Like cold water to a weary soul is good news from a distant land. [26] Like a muddied spring or a polluted well are the righteous who give way to the wicked. [27] It is not good to eat too much honey, nor is it honorable to search out matters that are too deep. [28] Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control. Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
What are some things the tongue is compared to?Much of today’s reading is about speaking appropriately. A king has the right to speak with confidence and authority, but a man who speaks presumptuously humiliates himself (6,7). Boasting, arguing aggressively for one’s rights and false witness are examples of unprofitable speech (8–10,14,18). A quarrelsome wife comes in for wry censure (24), as well as one who is irritatingly cheerful, insensitively singing when someone is heavy-hearted (20)! A bad tooth, a lame foot or stinging vinegar all describe insensitive and inappropriate speech (19,20). On the other hand, the right word can be soothing and refreshing, like cold water to a thirsty soul (13,25).This passage is also about the dangers of excess: too much honey, too much visiting, too much talking! I am one of those people known as “external processors,” i.e., I tend to arrive at decisions by doing my thinking in conversation, rather than by carefully considering. It’s not always bad, but it can betray a lack of discernment and quietness of mind. “Empty vessels make the most noise!” my teacher used to say. “The mouth speaks what the heart is full of” (Luke 6:45). What is in your heart? If it is full of God’s Word, then what you say will be wise and profitable.Much of today’s reading is about speaking appropriately. A king has the right to speak with confidence and authority, but a man who speaks presumptuously humiliates himself (6,7). Boasting, arguing aggressively for one’s rights and false witness are examples of unprofitable speech (8–10,14,18). A quarrelsome wife comes in for wry censure (24), as well as one who is irritatingly cheerful, insensitively singing when someone is heavy-hearted (20)! A bad tooth, a lame foot or stinging vinegar all describe insensitive and inappropriate speech (19,20). On the other hand, the right word can be soothing and refreshing, like cold water to a thirsty soul (13,25).This passage is also about the dangers of excess: too much honey, too much visiting, too much talking! I am one of those people known as “external processors,” i.e., I tend to arrive at decisions by doing my thinking in conversation, rather than by carefully considering. It’s not always bad, but it can betray a lack of discernment and quietness of mind. “Empty vessels make the most noise!” my teacher used to say. “The mouth speaks what the heart is full of” (Luke 6:45). What is in your heart? If it is full of God’s Word, then what you say will be wise and profitable.
Apply
The tongue is dangerous! Read James 3:3–12 and consider how you are doing.
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