Read Proverbs 16:25–30
Questions from the Scripture text: How does the way in Proverbs 16:25a seem? How does it end? For whom does the laborer labor (Proverbs 16:26a)? Why (verse 26b)? What does the godly man dig up (Proverbs 16:27a)? In order to do what (verse 27b)? Who sows strife (Proverbs 16:28a)? Who separates best friends (verse 28b)? What two things does a violent man do to his neighbor (Proverbs 16:29)? How does he do this enticing (Proverbs 16:30)?
What is harmful speech? Proverbs 16:25–30 looks forward to the midweek sermon. In these six verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that harmful speech comes from corrupt hearts and corrupts others.
From the beneficial speech of the previous section (Proverbs 16:20-24), this section now turns to harmful speech. Proverbs 16:25 portends this evil, because the lips in the following verses are not taught by God’s Word. Instead, they do what seems right to them), and as we have previously heard, this is the route to death (cf. Proverbs 14:12). Rather than being in control of his mouth, such a person is controlled by his mouth (Proverbs 16:26). In the Hebrew, Proverbs 16:27, Proverbs 16:28, Proverbs 16:29 each begin with the word “man.” What comes out of their mouth proceeds from the corruption of their hearts. This harmful speech may take many forms: spreading evil like raging fire (Proverbs 16:27), or planting discord by gossip that can separate anyone (Proverbs 16:28), or saying the subtle word that lures someone into the wickedness that will destroy him (Proverbs 16:29-39). The problem is the man himself.
Are you in control of your mouth, or is it in control of you? What are you aiming at with your words?
Sample prayer: Lord, thank You for the gift of speech. By Your grace, make us to use it for Your glory and others’ good, we ask through Christ, AMEN!
Suggested Songs: ARP14 “Within His Heart the Fool Speaks” or TPH400 “Gracious Spirit, Dwell with Me”
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