Words of wisdom

The words of the godly are a life-giving fountain; the words of the wicked conceal violent intentions. Hatred stirs up quarrels, but love makes up for all offenses. Wise words come from the lips of people with understanding, but those lacking sense will be beaten with a rod. Proverbs 10:11-13

From the text, Solomon commended the life-giving words of godly people. The word of the righteous is a fountain of life. In another instance, Solomon refers to it as a “tree of life.” “Wisdom is a tree of life to those who embrace her; happy are those who hold her tightly” (Proverbs 3:18). Blessed are those that believe God as being the source or creator of all life. Paul writes, “God has united you with Christ Jesus. For our benefit God made him to be wisdom itself. Christ made us right with God” (1 Corinthians 1:30). “Those who listen to instruction will prosper; those who trust the Lord will be joyful” (Proverbs 16:20). Once we identify ourselves with Christ, our words should be adorned with life. It becomes a well dug by people or to a naturally occurring spring. But the words of the wicked hide the harm they will do and their hatred stirs up strife. Hatred refers to extreme dislike or hostility toward others. But love covers all offenses. When love prevails in the life of believers, it is able to “make up for all offenses” for it knows how to forgive. Not only others are benefited when godly people provide wise counsel, they themselves gain understanding wisdom or a good sense, a good judgment that will guide their decision-making. Integrity, wisdom, and common sense all lead to a life with which both God and we, ourselves, will be pleased. Foolishness and sin only lead to a disappointing and sorrow filled life. The heart of the righteous, before speaking, first weighs what is going to be said before blurting it out for God’s wisdom guides his lips that promote sound instructions. “The hearts of the wise make their mouths prudent, and their lips promote instruction” (Proverbs 16:23).

Blessings