This week our study has focused on the Words we use and the intention of our heart.  As we enter into Chapter 18, we are reminded that fools have no want or desire to have understanding; they simply do not want to discover truth! (See vs. 2)

This is the passage I’d like for us to consider at the close of the week: “A man’s belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled”.  The word “belly” in this passage means the heart.  [Read more...]

Chapter 17 reminds us that being quiet is better than being foolish. According to Matthew Henry’s commentary, he shares that there are two ways we show our self wise; one is by our good temper which includes sweetness, sedateness of mind, one who considers his spirit’s intention, gracious, and one who knows how to abide. The other way to identify one who is wise is the person who governs their tongue [Read more...]

Chapter16 opens with the preparations of the heart in man and the answer of the tongue is from the LORD.  We are not our own sufficiency; it is God who knows our hearts and mouths and will perform His good work in us. But we must commit our works to Him and then our thoughts will be established (See vs. 1-3; Philippians 2:13 and Psalms 10:17).

Throughout today’s study references are made multiple times about our heart and lips.  When we have a proud heart it is an abomination; when we have mercy and truth, iniquity is purged. When we speak with righteous lips it is pleasing and finally, [Read more...]

Yesterday’s message was directed to the words spoken from our heart through our lips and today, we see much the same, only the writer uses the tongue of the wise as his subject matter.  “The tongue of the wise uses knowledge aright”; simply put the tongues of the wise makes knowledge appealing! In order to makes something appealing, we must love what we’re discussing, otherwise, the listener is not captured by the words we speak (Proverbs 15:2).

The Word made appealing doesn’t mean we need to change it or dress it up, [Read more...]

Proverbs 14:3b tells us, “The lips of the wise shall preserve them”. The first part of the verse talks about how the proud and foolish person’s heart of pride has no wisdom.  Bitterness lies in the heart of the proud. God’ Word reminds us to follow peace and holiness; we are to look diligently after the grace of God so that no root of bitterness will be found springing up to trouble us and cause us to be defiled (See Hebrews 12:14-15).

The lips of the wise will preserve us from getting into things that lead to trouble.  In fact, we are told that the lips of the wise actually disperse knowledge.  The knowledge is [Read more...]

From time to time, I take a word that stands out in my study time and I look up the meaning to better understand the passage I’m reading.  Today’s study is one of those times.  Chapter 11 vs. 15 says: “He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it: and he that hateth suretiship is sure.”  The word Suretiship is not a word we often use in daily communications; however, those in the legal field may use a word similar to this word “surety”. [Read more...]