July 17 - Proverbs 13-15: Walking With the Wise

My mouth has gotten me in trouble for much of my life. I've always had a sharp wit and a sharp tongue, and I've used both as weapons and wounded others.

Before I came to know Christ, I thought highly of my verbal skills and was happy that I could "hold my own" in any conflict. Once I began walking with the Lord, He showed me the depth of my sin in this area. My sarcasm, biting wit, angry retorts, and put-downs said with a smile have not been harmless or funny; they've hurt others and displeased my God. I regret every careless word I've uttered, and there have been many.

So it's not surprising to me that Solomon says how we use words - and the Word - affect our wisdom and our lives.

Careful words make for a careful life; careless talk may ruin everything. (13:3)

A good person hates false talk (13:5)

Ignore the Word and suffer (13:13)

Irresponsible talk makes a real mess of things (13:17)

Frivolous talk provokes a derisive smile; wise speech evokes nothing but respect. (14:3)

The gullible believe anything they're told; the prudent sift and weigh every word. (14:15)

A gentle response defuses anger; but a sharp tongue kindles a temper-fire. (15:1)

Kind words help and heal; cutting words wound and maim. (15:4)

Perceptive words spread knowledge (15:7)

Congenial conversation - what a pleasure! The right word at the right time - beautiful! (15:23)

As I have yielded myself to the Holy Spirit, the Lord has given me more self-control over my tongue. On many occasions, I'm still sorely tempted to respond in sinful ways, but thankfully, most of the time God gives me the grace to keep my mouth shut.

It's helped that I have had godly mentors and friends who have encouraged me in this area of temptation and prayed for me. These people take Proverbs 13:24 seriously - A refusal to correct is a refusal to love. They have lovingly corrected me when my tongue has gotten the best of me, which has been more times than I care to count, or when my attitude is less than Christ-like.

Solomon also speaks to this aspect of wisdom: receiving counsel and correction.

[W]ise men and women listen to each other's counsel. (13:10)

Refuse discipline and end up homeless; embrace correction and live an honored life. (13:18)

Welcoming correction is a mark of good sense. (15:5)

Refuse good advice and watch your plans fail; take good counsel and watch them succeed. (15:22)

Listen to good advice if you want to live well (15:31)

and my personal favorite:

Become wise by walking with the wise (13:20)

I try to be intentional about surrounding myself with wise people from whom I can learn. I'm hoping their wisdom will rub off on me! I know that I need help from those further along the path than me as well as from my peers and others. I need their godly input and correction so I don't squander my precious life. (8:33)

"I've learned how much I need a traveling companion...for the spiritual journey - and how perilous the journey is without one. Life is a sprawling mountain range of possibilities. Every step of the way is tenuous, and some of the terrain is treacherous. Only the novice would consider making the climb alone." Eugene Peterson, Conversations, pg. 953