2025.10.20 Hopewell @Home ▫ Proverbs 18:13–24

Read Proverbs 18:13–24

Questions from the Scripture text: What does the man do in v13a? With what effect upon himself (v13b)? What will sustain a man, under what condition (v14a)? But what is the implied answer to the rhetorical question in v14b)? Whose heart acquires what (v15a)? Whose ear seeks what (v15b)? What does a man’s “gift” do for him (v16)? Who seems right (v17a)? Until what (v17b)? What can stop contentions (v18a)? What else can it do (v18b)? Who is harder than a strong city (v19a)? What are contentions like (v19b)? How will a man be able to satisfy his hunger (v20)? What are in the power of the tongue (v21a)? Who will do what (v21b)? 

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 (v13-15). Whereas foolish speech is harmful to self and others (v1–12), wise speech is relationship-healing and life-giving (v13–21). In order to have this effect, one must be instructed. Before honor comes humility (v12b). And this humility is necessary to prevent the shame in v13. It acquires and seeks knowledge first (v15), and only afterward does it then answer a matter (v13). How necessary this is! For, if foolish speech brings shame and broken relationships, the resulting broken spirit is devastating (v14). 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 (v16–19). Why does conflict require such wise speech to resolve? Because of all of the pitfalls involved in addressing it. We are susceptible to bribes (v16), susceptible to dealing with people according to what is in it for us. We are susceptible to first impressions (v17a), requiring the prudence to invite and consider additional perspectives (v17b). We do not have God’s perfect knowledge of who is in the right (v18). Apart from speech formed by godly fear, resolving contention is as challenging as taking a strong city or a fortified castle (v19). 

The answer of wise speech (v20–21). So, how can a man be restored to that strengthened spirit that affords him contentment and joy from simple things in life, like eating (v20, 21b)? By the wise use of the tongue. Yes, death is in the power of the tongue (v21a, cf. v1–12). 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”