May 29, 2020<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The book of Proverbs is a collection of short sayings in the Old Testament meant to instill\u00a0wisdom\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>in God\u2019s people. As we read, it is important to remember that a proverb is a statement which is\u00a0generally<\/em> true in principle, not a\u00a0universally\u00a0<\/em>true promise. Let\u2019s dig into the Word together and allow the Lord to shape our hearts, our minds, and our lives in his wisdom over the next month!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Notice how the author highlights life-giving wisdom in the use of our mouth, lips, or words. In this chapter \u201cspeech\u201d is highlighted at least 8 times (verses 6, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 22, 25). Within the sentence structure in an individual verse the writer usually emphasizes a positive and negative impact. However, in verse 14 notice the development of an idea and a positive, future impact on the whole person. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This verse is a great reminder to us about why we are to speak the truth and how the truth, when spoken, becomes more and more fruitful over time. Consistent truth and integrity lead to trust and trustworthiness with God and people. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Righteous speech blesses others and it also impacts your own life. The writer mentions that the spoken fruit will come back to bless the speaker. Moreover, the Hebrew wording here implies that God Himself is active in blessing the speaker of truth! <\/p>\n\n\n\n