Solomon had quite a lot to say about words and works. Today’s study highlights some of his wisdom.
As I have written in many previous blog articles, the Bible’s definition of a fool is someone who believes there will be no accountability for their actions.
The opposite of the fool is the wise person who lives in a faithful relationship with God and humbly follows His guidance.
Lady Wisdom warns students to choose her path and to reject the influence of fools. She provides several reasons to follow her counsel.
Fools think their own way is right,
but the wise listen to advice.
Fools show their anger at once,
but the prudent ignore an insult. (Proverbs 12.15-16)
It is very difficult to teach someone who knows it all. That is a truism that is clear to everyone but the person who is blind to their personal failings.
Imagine the person who is unwilling to learn from God. Imagine someone who is so arrogant that they believe the Ten Commandments are mere suggestions and who easily explains away truths of the Sermon on the Mount.
“Fool” describes such a person. I don’t know if you are like me, but there are times when I fit that category.
The wise allocate a portion of their day to learn at the feet of Jesus. They read the Gospels and ask Jesus to show them how their attitudes and actions can conform to His life and work.
According to Rudy Ross, the root Hebrew meaning of prudent is “nude.” When we strip away pride and self-importance, it is easier to ignore an insult.
How often does anger stem from injured self-esteem?
Wise Speech
According to a 4th-century rabbi, “One recognizes a person from his cup, his purse, and his annoyance.”
We know the nature of a person by how they act while drinking, their dealings with money, and what makes them annoyed.
Each verse contrasts the fool and the wise in their speech and behavior.
Whoever speaks the truth gives honest evidence,
but a false witness speaks deceitfully.
Rash words are like sword thrusts,
but the tongue of the wise brings healing. (Proverbs 12.17-22)
A conscientious witness speaks the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. An unreliable witness aims to mislead and damage others.
The character of falseness or sincerity reveals the true nature of the witness.
Our words can hurt or heal. I expect you are like me and can remember unfortunate times when you saw the destructive effect of a rash and foolish word.
I also hope you can remember many times when your words brought healing to those around you.
Joy and Speech
The Psalm writer describes the character of the wicked person, who has no fear of God.
The words of their mouths are mischief and deceit;
they have ceased to act wisely and do good.
They plot mischief while on their beds;
they are set on a way that is not good;
they do not reject evil. (Psalm 36.3-4)
The Bible teaches that evil deeds are first planned in the mind before they are acted out. Evil behavior and dishonest speech originate in our inner thoughts.
Deceit is in the mind of those who plan evil,
but those who counsel peace have joy.
Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord,
but those who act faithfully are his delight. (Proverbs 12.20 and 22)
Why does God so disapprove of dishonesty? Could it be that He knows the effect of dishonest communication on families and society in general?
When we think about it, trust is the glue that holds a society together. It is the basis of cooperation and mutually beneficial interactions.
When trust is lacking, conflict and alienation will arise.
History proves that a lack of trust will stifle innovation and commerce. If a nation wants to be wealthy, its leaders will foster trust among their citizens.
Trust in a nation’s legal system, government, and institutions contributes to political stability and the rule of law.
A lack of trust lends itself to political unrest, corruption, and the undermining of legitimate government.
What I have written about society applies to the family. A lack of trust within a family is a destructive force.
No Pointing the Finger
It is easy to read many verses in Proverbs and point an accusing finger at someone we see as an offender.
Solomon wrote his words to instruct and warn his students, not to give them ammunition to judge others.
Let’s take his message to heart and apply it to ourselves.
YouTube Video
Rudy Ross and I discuss this passage on YouTube today. It is on the Bob Spradling channel.
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