Year 1, Week 44, Day 4 Bible Reading Observations

Year 1, Week 44, Day 4

I have a brief observation for today’s reading of Proverbs 13-15.

Today’s reading continues the section of Proverbs begun in the previous day’s reading. This section of proverbial sayings, which are short pithy statements, contrast wisdom and righteousness with folly and wickedness as practical life themes such as work ethic, money, speech, family relationships, friendships, and governmental matters are explored. The form of the proverbial sayings are designed to foster contemplation. Most of the proverbial sayings have an intriguing style and many deploy figurative language. These forms solicit the reader to slow down and think over what is the point being expressed. Merely reciting a proverbial saying is not an indication of wisdom; grasping the intended wisdom expressed through the proverbial saying requires the prayerful work of deep thought.

One of the things that struck me from today’s reading was the connection between wisdom, foolishness, and speech: “From the fruit of his mouth a man eats what is good, but the desire of the treacherous is for violence. Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life; he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin” (Proverbs 13:2-3). These two verses direct us to consider the effects of our words. The outcome of our speech has bearing on others. Good can be done to others through the words we use; and harm can be done to others through the words that we use. The case for the relational benefit of wisely spoken words has already been made in the previous day’s reading: “There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing” (Proverbs 12:18).

But our words do not simply affect others; we affect our own lives by the words that we use. With an appeal to an appropriate measure of self-interest, our choice of words can profit us, or our choice of words can cost us. The case for the personal benefit of wisely spoken words was also made in the previous day’s reading: “An evil man is ensnared by the transgression of his lips, but the righteous escapes from trouble. From the fruit of his mouth a man is satisfied with good, and the work of a man’s hand comes back to him” (Proverbs 12:13-14). Thus, for the good of others as well as our own good, our words must be carefully considered: “The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things” (Proverbs 15:28).

The intersection between wisdom, foolishness, righteousness, wickedness, and our speech is also measured by factors of truth and lies: “A faithful witness does not lie, but a false witness breathes out lies” (Proverbs 14:5); and: “A truthful witness saves lives, but one who breathes out lies is deceitful” (Proverbs 14:25). The need for truthful over false speech has already been expressed in the previous day’s reading: “Whoever speaks the truth gives honest evidence, but a false witness utters deceit” (Proverbs 12:17). Perhaps each of these verses refer to providing truthful testimony in a court of law, but truthfulness is absolutely essential in legal proceedings, truthfulness is necessary in everyday conversation, as readings on subsequent days will reveal: “Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy” (Proverbs 27:3-4); and: “Whoever rebukes a man will afterward find more favor than he who flatters with his tongue” (Proverbs 28:23). Honest words entwined in love are much more fruitful than disingenuous words that are false.

But as important as it is to say truthful things, it is also crucial to consider how to say fitting things that are appropriate to the occasion: “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouths of fools pour out folly” (Proverbs 15:1-2). Perhaps someone said foolish and wicked words to us. Wisdom considers the manner of words that would prove most helpful to the cause of moving the conversation forward. The speech that we deploy in response to foolish words can contribute to the escalation of even more wicked words, or they can promote the diminishment of further wicked words. Although there may be a time and a place for most all manner of words, a gentle word should be seen as having verbal superiority over a harsh word. The manner in which we speak words can provide healing or they can hurt: “A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit” (Proverbs 15:4). The construction of our words can encourage and exhort in the expansion of knowledge or they perpetuate ignorance: “The lips of the wise spread knowledge; not so the hearts of fools” (Proverbs 15:7). A timely word can have an important impact: “To make an apt answer is a joy to a man, and a word in season, how good it is!” (Proverbs 15:23).

What struck you in today’s reading? What questions were prompted from today’s reading?

Pastor Joe