Chapter 18 of Proverbs is all about the power of words and the wisdom of listening. And if we look at our culture today, isn’t that exactly what we’re struggling with?
The words of a man’s mouth are as deep waters,
and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook (v4)
Death and life are in the power of the tongue (v21)
We scroll social media, we vent to friends, we snap at our kids, we unload on our spouse. But how often do we stop and realize that our words are spiritual weapons? Every word either builds someone up or tears them down. There’s no neutral. And one day, Jesus said, we’ll give account for every idle word. YIKES!
Think about your last 24 hours. Did your words reflect Christ? Did they breathe life, or did they carry poison? I know some of the things that I have said, even if they were just to myself, were better left unsaid. I REPENT!
A fool hath no delight in understanding,
but that his heart may discover itself. (v2)
In other words, fools don’t want wisdom....they just want to air their opinions.
Does that sound familiar?
We live in a world where everyone has a platform, and, unless you are tearing someone apart or exposing someone, hardly anyone is listening.
Proverbs calls that foolish!
Wisdom is found in humility - slowing down, asking questions, and being willing to be corrected.
When’s the last time you actually invited correction into your life? It stings, but it saves and is so worth it!
The words of a talebearer are as wounds. (v8)
Gossip feels harmless.....just “sharing a concern” or “passing along info.” But Proverbs says it leaves wounds. Churches split, friendships crumble, and families fracture because people won’t bridle their tongues.
We like to excuse gossip as if it’s just a little slip, but God calls it sin. And sin destroys souls.
The name of the Lord is a strong tower:
the righteous runneth into it, and is safe. (v10)
In a world full of shifting voices, opinions, and chaos, where’s our safety? Not in our own clever words, not in proving our point, but in running to God Himself.
We don’t just say His name like a magic phrase, we cling to His character. When people misunderstand us, when false words fly, when pride swirls all around us, HE is our refuge.
A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly:
and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother. (v24)
Life isn’t about how much you can gain, but who you walk with.
Shallow connections fade.
Godly friendships..rooted in loyalty, honesty, and Christ’s love....carry us through storms.
And ultimately, this verse points us to Jesus. He is the Friend who sticks closer than a brother.
Proverbs 18 isn’t gentle background music. It’s a wake-up call asking us to evaluate what comes out of our mouths. To see that our everyday choices...(ESPECIALLY the things we say) are either pleasing to God or grieving Him.
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