These verses address the subject of talking. Speech is one of the most distinguishing gifts of man. The faculty of speech offers immense influence either for good or evil. It is the principle channel by which we will affect people and the world. It is by speech that we communicate our thoughts to each other, carry on business, and improve our knowledge and learning.
We have the glorious privilege to choose our words. This privilege is one of the main reasons we are to gain wisdom. The righteous speak wise words. Thus they are fitting or appropriate (Prov. 10:14) and give life to people and situations. [It's not the duration of your life that counts. It's the devotion of your life—how intense you are in serving the Lord and giving yourself to Him that matters.] The change of speech comes from the change of heart. Jesus alone can change your heart. "How can you being evil speak good things?" Ask God to give you a new heart. Only then can you love and speak words that have eternal value.
Verse 11 helps us understand interpersonal relations and distinguish between people better. "The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, But the mouth of the wicked conceals violence."
The righteous speak wise words. The words of a righteous (and wise) person are like a fountain of life (13:14; 14:27; 16:22; also note 18:4). His good, pure, vigorous words of wisdom are as refreshing as a cool spring to a weary desert traveler. The words of the righteous are a source of life-giving spiritual vitality. Words of truth and love are the means by which God refreshes and pour life into the souls of people.
There is no true peace in the words of those full of strife. Violence overwhelms their mouth. Since the word for "overwhelms" can be translated "covers" (as it is in v. 12), the idea is either that his mouth conceals or deceptively hides violence (niv), or that violence characterizes what a person says. Jesus stated, "The evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart" (Luke 6:45).
What motivates you, anger or truth, hatred or love, folly or wisdom?
The strong contrast is made again in verse12. "Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all transgressions."
Hatred results in dissension (6:14) because people who despise each other can hardly work or live together in peace. The stirring or raising up of dissensions suggests the gossip (6:19b) who is hated by Yahweh (6:16-19). If you hate someone you look for excuses to bad mouth him or start in on him. This fiend is at work everywhere, in homes, offices, politics and churches. It is like a subterraneous fire that smolders out disgusts, dislikes, envyings, coldness and selfishness.
Love contributes toward peace because it covers or forgives the faults of others (17:9). It does not dwell on those faults (1 Cor. 13:5; James 5:20; 1 Peter 4:8). The Hebrew word translated "covereth" is kacah, which means "to overwhelm" (Proverbs 10:6, 11).
If you love someone, you give them the benefit of the doubt. If you hate someone, you don't. Love covers a multitude of sins [Prov 17:9; 1 Cor 13:4–7; James 5:20; 1 Pet 4:8]. The message of Jesus is simple yet astounding: Love your enemies. Do good to those who mistreat you. Repay evil with kindness. When Christians live by these principles, he will keep his heart free of hatred no matter, how others feel toward him.
Then let only thoughts that bless dwell in your heart and mind. Silence your lips and tongue to all that wounds or is unkind. Every day, choose to present your body, including your unruly tongue, as a living sacrifice to God (Romans 12:2) to be used by Him as an instrument of blessing.
Dear Father, forgive me for the harm I've done with my words. Set a watch upon my lips and control my tongue. Help me evaluate each thought and guard each word I say. May I use my words to encourage my family, friends, coworkers, and church members. Amen.
~Bits and Pieces of sermon by Dennis Davidson
No comments:
Post a Comment