There is a tendency in the fallen flesh of human nature to speak lies. We may want those things we are saying to be true; even repeat them often. Although it may never be the Truth, we can choose to believe what we are saying and pretty soon we are convinced a lie is the truth—deceived. Words released into the atmosphere travel in either a godly or ungodly direction—life or death is in the tongue (Prov 18:21). Jesus refers to the devil as the ‘father of lies,’ because he hates the Truth. In fact, Jesus told the Pharisees—who kept telling themselves they were righteous—they were actually children of the devil (John 8:44). They lacked Wisdom and found themselves deceived. It’s why they did not recognize the Truth standing before them.
Yesterday, in Jen’s devotional reading from Proverbs 12, Solomon shared instructions on words and speech with his son. Words are power and teaching our children—no matter what age—to honor their word, tell the truth, and control their tongue is extending great Wisdom to them. It is easy for a thought to come into our heads and find it quickly exiting our mouths. However, we are wise when we capture those thoughts and pause to consider the truth, as well as the consequences the words may bring before speaking them. Not every thought is a godly one that exalts Christ—Wisdom (2 Cor 10:5). If we want to positively influence others with the Spirit of God, we need to pay attention to what comes out of our mouths. We need to do this and we need to teach our children and grandchildren to follow. In Scripture, there is no such thing as a ‘white lie’ or harmless lie being acceptable to God. If it’s not the truth, we should simply shut our mouths.
Today in Proverbs 13, Solomon spends more time sharing about the importance words, discipline, controlling the tongue, forming a strong work ethic, and honest financial gain, because it increases a person in Wisdom. Worldly success is temporary and is of very little value when facing a crisis, tragedy, or natural disaster. In seconds, life can change and the financial security we may build our lives upon can be gone; starting over is all that is left.
For those who build their lives on the foundation of Wisdom, they never really go backwards. In fact, I believe many things that seek to destroy the Christ follower actually become a catalyst for miraculous gain; becomes a spiritual promotion to something even better. Our godly attitudes, as well as the way we look at the life and promise of Christ, will bring abundant growth no matter what happens (John 10:10).
Are you good at accepting advice or just giving it? Most of the time we may prefer to be the one giving advice to everyone else; however, if we are wise we will also be a receiver of advice. Never forget we can be blind to our own weaknesses and the snares of the enemy. Therefore, Solomon encourages us to surround ourselves with godly people, so we can speak Wisdom into one another’s lives. Wisdom is reciprocal and the truth sets us free!
Proverbs 13 NLT [NOTE: Amplified Bible definitions in brackets]
1
A wise child accepts [and is the result of] a parent’s discipline;
a mocker refuses to listen to correction.
2
Wise words will win you a good meal,
but treacherous people have an appetite for violence.
3
Those who control their tongue [think before speaking] will have a long life;
opening your mouth [without thinking] can ruin everything.
4
Lazy people want [have an appetite for] much but get little,
but those who [willingly] work hard will prosper.
5
The godly hate lies;
the wicked cause shame and disgrace.
6
Godliness [right standing w/God] guards the path of the blameless,
but the evil are misled by sin.
7
Some who are poor pretend to be rich;
others who are rich pretend to be poor.
8
The rich can pay a ransom for their lives,
but the poor won’t even get threatened [by the envious].
9
The life [within] of the godly is full of light [grows brighter] and joy,
but the light of the wicked will be snuffed out [temporary].
10
Pride leads to conflict;
those who take advice are wise.
11
Wealth from get-rich-quick schemes quickly disappears;
wealth from [honestly] hard work grows over time.
12
Hope deferred makes the heart sick,
but a dream fulfilled is a tree of life.
13
People who despise advice [wise counsel of God] are asking for trouble;
those who [reverently] respect a command will succeed.
14
The instruction of the wise is like a life-giving fountain;
those who accept it avoid the snares of death.
15
A person with good sense is respected;
a treacherous [unfaithful] person is headed for destruction.
16
Wise people think before they act;
[closed-minded] fools don’t—and even brag about their foolishness.
17
An unreliable messenger stumbles into trouble,
but a reliable messenger brings healing.
18
If you ignore criticism, you will end in poverty and disgrace;
if you accept correction, you will be honored.
19
It is pleasant to see dreams come true,
but fools refuse to turn from evil to attain them [things they have planned].
20
Walk [as a companion] with the wise and become wise;
associate with fools and get in trouble.
21
Trouble [adversity] chases sinners,
while blessings reward the righteous.
22
Good people leave an inheritance to their grandchildren,
but the sinner’s wealth passes to the godly.
23
A poor person’s farm may produce much food,
but [without protection] injustice sweeps it all away.
24
Those who spare the rod of discipline hate their children.
Those who love their children care enough to discipline them [with love and wisdom].
25
The [consistently] godly eat to their hearts’ content,
but the belly of the wicked goes hungry.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for this lesson on Wisdom and Truth. Today, we ask for Wisdom to guide our thoughts; help us with a spirit of discernment so we can identify the truth from a lie. As well, we ask you, Holy Spirit, to help us tame our tongues so we are careful with what we release by speech. Lord, you told the Pharisees they would be held accountable for every thoughtless or unhelpful word spoken. Convict us so we will follow the advice of Wisdom and speak the Truth in Love. In Jesus’ name. Amen.