Read Proverbs 18:13–24
Questions from the Scripture text: What does the man do in Proverbs 18:13a? With what effect upon himself (verse 13b)? What will sustain a man, under what condition (Proverbs 18:14a)? But what is the implied answer to the rhetorical question in verse 14b)? Whose heart acquires what (Proverbs 18:15a)? Whose ear seeks what (verse 15b)? What does a man’s “gift” do for him (Proverbs 18:16)? Who seems right (Proverbs 18:17a)? Until what (verse 17b)? What can stop contentions (Proverbs 18:18a)? What else can it do (verse 18b)? Who is harder than a strong city (Proverbs 18:19a)? What are contentions like (verse 19b)? How will a man be able to satisfy his hunger (Proverbs 18:20)? What are in the power of the tongue (Proverbs 18:21a)? Who will do what (verse 21b)?
Why is wise speech so needed? Proverbs 18:13–21 looks forward to the midweek sermon. In these nine verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that wise speech is designed by God to give life by resolving conflict.
The necessity of spirit-strengthening teachability (Proverbs 18:13-15). Whereas foolish speech is harmful to self and others (Proverbs 18:1-12), wise speech is relationship-healing and life-giving (Proverbs 18:13-21). In order to have this effect, one must be instructed. Before honor comes humility (Proverbs 18:12b). And this humility is necessary to prevent the shame in Proverbs 18:13. It acquires and seeks knowledge first (Proverbs 18:15), and only afterward does it then answer a matter (Proverbs 18:13). How necessary this is! For, if foolish speech brings shame and broken relationships, the resulting broken spirit is devastating (Proverbs 18:14). Regardless of circumstances, the wise spirit, strengthened by the fear of the Lord, will sustain a man. But also, regardless of the circumstances, a spirit broken by internal shame or external conflicts, is unendurable.
The challenge of conflict (Proverbs 18:16-19). Why does conflict require such wise speech to resolve? Because of all of the pitfalls involved in addressing it. We are susceptible to bribes (Proverbs 18:16), susceptible to dealing with people according to what is in it for us. We are susceptible to first impressions (Proverbs 18:17a), requiring the prudence to invite and consider additional perspectives (verse 17b). We do not have God’s perfect knowledge of who is in the right (Proverbs 18:18). Apart from speech formed by godly fear, resolving contention is as challenging as taking a strong city or a fortified castle (Proverbs 18:19).
The answer of wise speech (Proverbs 18:20-21). So, how can a man be restored to that strengthened spirit that affords him contentment and joy from simple things in life, like eating (Proverbs 18:20, Proverbs 18:21b)? By the wise use of the tongue. Yes, death is in the power of the tongue (Proverbs 18:21a, cf. Proverbs 18:1-12). But, in God’s goodness to us, so is life!
With whom, especially, do you need to work on being quick to listen? How are you working on being slow to speak? When have you listened to one side of the story but failed to listen to the other side?
Sample prayer: Lord, forgive us for our foolish speech. We deserve shame and a broken spirit. In Your grace, give us to be quick to listen and slow to speak, and make us those whose lips reconcile conflicts and give life and healing. Give us joy and contentment in Christ, we ask in His Name, AMEN!
Suggested Songs: ARP14 “Within His Heart the Fool Speaks” or TPH400 “Gracious Spirit, Dwell with Me”
No comments:
Post a Comment