The Small Spark of Careless Words...

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How to mock, deride, belittle, accuse, insult, ridicule, & condemn others.

12 Pillars of Proverbs

How are you going with handwriting out the book of Proverbs? Aside from the knowledge and information gained from the exercise, you certainly are demonstrating to the Lord that you are taking your spiritual learning very seriously and are willing to attempt quite different, left-field thinking approaches and learning methods.

Keep handwriting out the chapters of Proverbs and see where you are in 31 chapters' time. Here is a different approach of basic and simple thoughts to help you digest Proverbs more quickly and get that wisdom prevailing in your life.

Let’s look at a few topics or categories inside the Book of Proverbs. There are many ways we can break this up—family, business, spiritual, raising children or parenting, wisdom itself, foolishness, and so on.

I have gone through the Book of Proverbs and categorised 12 different areas:

• Words
• Wisdom
• Wealth
• Warnings
• Women
• Worry
• Wine
• Work
• Wastefulness
• Winter
• Wake-Up Calls
• Way-of-Life

These are in no particular order. Looking back across 60+ years of life and nearly 40 years of ministry, how much better my life would have been if I’d been able to genuinely master at least 6 of these 12 categories!

Let’s dive into them, starting with the first one in my list: WORDS.

We are going through Proverbs chapter by chapter, focusing on a few key verses topic by topic and raising a point or two regarding each one.

Proverbs 4:24 (AMPC)

Put away from you false and dishonest speech, and wilful and contrary talk put far from you.

False, dishonest speech and deliberate conflicting, opposing, and antagonistic speech puts an individual on the incorrect or antagonistic pathway concerning spiritual truths. Truth is truth, and false, dishonest speech contaminates the purity and intent of conversation. Bad speech muddies pure communication—it’s a contaminant.

Proverbs 5:2 (AMPC)

That you may exercise proper discrimination and discretion and your lips may guard and keep knowledge and the wise answer [to temptation].

Do not allow anything past your lips that is inconsistent with or contrary to the direction and instruction of Scripture, or who you are in Christ Jesus. Don’t be tempted to speak otherwise—temptation comes from the Tempter. Even Jesus was tempted to use words for short-term, hedonistic, worldly gain, and He replied with, "It is written..." (Matthew 4).

Part of your role as a co-laborer with God—bringing His divine wisdom and solutions into your circle of influence—is to guard that knowledge by exercising proper discretion. Work hard to know when to speak and, often more importantly, when to stay silent. Jesus Himself spoke to people as they were able to hear, comprehend, and understand (Mark 4:33).

Proverbs 10:19–21 (AMPC)

19 In a multitude of words transgression is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is prudent. 20 The tongues of those who are upright and in right standing with God are as choice silver; the minds of those who are wicked and out of harmony with God are of little value. 21 The lips of the [uncompromisingly] righteous feed and guide many, but fools die for want of understanding and heart.

These three verses highlight the difference between a plethora of foolish, wasted talk of little value versus wise, considered, on-topic speech that honors Jesus and pleases God.

Verse 20 discusses value: Choice silver is valuable. The mind and heart of the wicked that are completely out of step with God are of little value. Scripture is clear—it’s not the person who lacks value, but what is in their heart and mind that has little value to God. The person is valuable, but sin and wickedness have no appeal to God. Their opinion is irrelevant, so don’t be controlled by their view. Why go to worldly people for advice regarding spiritual matters?

Discern where the Lord wants you to receive advice regarding spiritual matters. In fact, life itself is a spiritual matter, and every aspect of life is covered clearly within the pages of the Bible.

Regarding verse 21: Quality, considered, uncompromising, righteous speech feeds and guides many. Unrighteous speech from fools causes shortage, mental torment, hunger, and spiritual death. They lack the understanding for solutions and the heart to see things through.

The Bible says a lot about people's hearts failing them through fear, overwhelm, or physical conditions. It is not a workable strategy, and it is all connected to the words we speak—or don't speak.

Deflect Anger & Calm Situations Down

Proverbs 12:18 (AMPC)

There are those who speak rashly, like the piercing of a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

Some people speak in an aggressive and painful manner. Their rash words are so hurtful it’s like being repeatedly stabbed—they mock, deride, belittle, accuse, insult, ridicule, and condemn.

This is the complete opposite of soothing words that heal. Healing brings less pain, restored wounds, comfort, rest, and safety. The tongue of the wise brings all of this to bear because they live reconciliation, forgiveness, thoughtfulness, and consideration. They live to honour Jesus with an attitude of gratitude. Words matter more than we realise.

Proverbs 15:1–4 (AMPC)

1 A soft answer turns away wrath, but grievous words stir up anger.

Words that are carefully, wisely, and thoughtfully selected deflect anger and calm situations down. Grievous words stir up strife and trouble. Choose daily whether you want to be someone who brings calm or someone who stirs up anger, and teach these principles to your children.

2 The tongue of the wise utters knowledge rightly, but the mouth of the [self-confident] fool pours out folly.

The wise correctly communicate knowledge, while the fool displays self-confidence and arrogance that pours out folly (foolishness, silliness, idiocy, irrationality, stupidity). Work hard to be known for speaking knowledge and wisdom.

3 The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch upon the evil and the good.

Be conscious of this: The Lord knows the hearts, speech, and actions of everyone. He is not pleased with those who behave in an unrighteous and foolish way without attempting to change. Commit Proverbs 15:3 to memory.

4 A gentle tongue [with its healing power] is a tree of life, but wilful contrariness in it breaks down the spirit.

A gentle tongue brings healing, but do not use "cunning kindness" or a gentle tongue as a cover for perverse intent to break someone's spirit or morale. We are to bring hope, encouragement, strength, integrity, and love—not devious means that satisfy our own agendas.

Proverbs 15:7 (AMPC)

The lips of the wise disperse knowledge [sifting it as chaff from the grain]; not so the minds and hearts of the self-confident and foolish.

Wise people use words in a thoughtful, sifting, and scrutinising way, whereas the foolish output thoughtless, flooding speech. In excessive talk, sin is sure to follow. Be careful both in what you say and who you listen to.

Proverbs 15:23 (AMPC)

A man has joy in making an apt answer, and a word spoken at the right moment—how good it is!

We increase joy in our lives by choosing our words before speaking. Managing an apt answer with proper timing is essential when providing instruction or counsel. Correct timing in speech is vital.

Sweet to the Mind & Healing to the Body

Proverbs 16:24 (AMPC)

Pleasant words are as a honeycomb, sweet to the mind and healing to the body.

Honeycomb is intricate, strong, and sweet. The healing properties of honey are well-documented in both traditional and modern medicine. God tells us that pleasant (gracious) words are similarly sweet to the mind and healing to the body. Share pleasant words to assist in the mental and physical well-being of others.

Proverbs 17:27–28 (AMPC)

27 He who has knowledge spares his words, and a man of understanding has a cool spirit. 28 Even a fool when he holds his peace is considered wise; when he closes his lips he is esteemed a man of understanding.

The discipline to restrain your words places you in a class of people described as possessing knowledge. Speak sparingly, speak a lot less, and craft sentences thoughtfully.

Proverbs 18:4 (AMPC)

The words of a [discreet and wise] man’s (or woman’s) mouth are like deep waters [plenteous and difficult to fathom], and the fountain of skilful and godly Wisdom is like a gushing stream [sparkling, fresh, pure, and life-giving].

Aspire to be known as discreet, wise, and a person of depth who cannot be easily trampled by the marketplace of life.

Proverbs 18:5, 8 (AMPC)

5 To respect the person of the wicked and be partial to him, so as to deprive the [consistently] righteous of justice, is not good. 8 The words of a whisperer or talebearer are as dainty morsels; they go down into the innermost parts of the body.

A legal or judicial system operating in a culture dominated by gossip, talebearing, innuendo, and lying is destined to malfunction and break down. Consuming lies like "dainty morsels" leads to severe systemic and personal issues. Words paired with incorrect intent are destructive.

Guard Your Speech

Proverbs 18:20–21 (AMPC)

20 A man’s [moral] self shall be filled with the fruit of his mouth; and with the consequence of his words he must be satisfied [whether good or evil]. 21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and they who indulge in it shall eat the fruit of it [for death or life].

Our words carry either death or life. Because fruit takes time to grow, you may not see the developed outcomes of what you say until much later.

• Declare the blessings of God instead of complaining about curses.
• How you handle your words determines how you handle your life.
• Never allow anything in your mouth that you don't want in your future.
• Words carry consequences; do not blame others for what you have spoken.

Proverbs 21:23 (AMPC)

He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from troubles.

Guarding your speech protects you from earthly troubles and aligns with Jesus' warning in Matthew 12:36 "On the day of judgment men will have to give account for every idle (inoperative, nonworking) word they speak."

Proverbs 25:11 (AMPC)

A word fitly spoken and in due season is like apples of gold in settings of silver.

This mirrors Proverbs 15:23. A word spoken at the right moment is priceless, rare, and powerful.

Proverbs 26:4–5 (AMPC)

4 Answer not a [self-confident] fool according to his folly, lest you also be like him. 5 Answer a [self-confident] fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own eyes and conceit.

While these appear contradictory, the ESV Study Bible explains:

• Verse 4 gives the general policy (do not answer a fool) to avoid getting dragged into an endless interchange of folly.
• Verse 5 gives the exception (answer a fool) when silence might cause the fool or others to think his folly cannot be refuted.

Do not get drawn needlessly into foolish conversations or ways of thinking.

Applies Equally to Both Men & Women

Proverbs 31:26 (AMPC)

She opens her mouth in skilful and godly Wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness [giving counsel and instruction].

The Proverbs 31 woman focuses on productivity, preparation, and her family while releasing skillful and godly wisdom through her speech.

Access to God’s wisdom applies equally to both men and women. Scripture nowhere suggests women are less intelligent than men. The wisdom of God is available to anyone humble enough to be a lifelong learner and put God's Word first.

Yes, We Know These Are Not From Proverbs

Matthew 12:33–37 (AMPC)

33 Either make the tree sound (healthy and good), and its fruit sound (healthy and good), or make the tree rotten (diseased and bad), and its fruit rotten (diseased and bad); for the tree is known and recognised and judged by its fruit. 34 You offspring of vipers! How can you speak good things when you are evil (wicked)? For out of the fullness (the overflow, the superabundance) of the heart the mouth speaks. 35 The good man from his inner good treasure flings forth good things, and the evil man out of his inner evil storehouse flings forth evil things. 36 But I tell you, on the day of judgment men will have to give account for every idle (inoperative, nonworking) word they speak. 37 For by your words you will be justified and acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned and sentenced.

Words are the outward evidence of the inward condition of the heart.

Luke 6:45 (AMPC)

The upright (honourable, intrinsically good) man out of the good treasure [stored] in his heart produces what is upright (honourable and intrinsically good), and the evil man out of the evil storehouse brings forth that which is depraved (wicked and intrinsically evil); for out of the abundance (overflow) of the heart his mouth speaks.

Psalm 119:11 (ESV / KJV)

I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.

To change what is in your heart, store up God's Word within it through daily reading and memorisation.

Ephesians 4:29–32 (AMPC)

29 Do not let unwholesome [foul, profane, worthless, vulgar] words ever come out of your mouth, but only such speech as is good for building up others, according to the need and the occasion, so that it will be a blessing to those who hear... 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God... 31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamour and slander be put away from you, along with every kind of malice. 32 Be kind and helpful to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ also forgave you.

Replace bad speech with wholesome words that build others up so as not to grieve the Holy Spirit.

James 3:5–8 (AMPC)

5 In the same sense, the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things. See how great a forest is set on fire by a small spark! 6 And the tongue is a fire, the very world of injustice and unrighteousness... set on fire by hell. 7 For every species of beasts and birds, of reptiles and sea creatures, is tamed and has been tamed by the human race. 8 But no one can tame the human tongue; it is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.

A small spark of careless or malevolent words can set off an uncontrollable, destructive fire.

1 Peter 3:10 (AMPC)

For, "the one who wants to enjoy life and see good days, must keep his tongue free from evil and his lips from speaking guile (treachery and deceit)".

Obedience to God in daily speech is the pathway to His blessing. Keep handwriting out the Book of Proverbs and let God's wisdom prevail in your life.