October 3, 2013

There is book smarts, and there is street smarts, goes the saying. Some lessons are learned in the classroom; others are learned through life experiences. And, wise is the person who learns the value of integrity in dealing with others. From the vantage point of God-given wisdom, the writer of Proverbs sees the foolishness of dishonest words:

"He cuts off his own feet and drinks violence Who sends a message by the hand of a fool ... Like a madman who throws Firebrands, arrows and death, So is the man who deceives his neighbor, And says, 'Was I not joking?' For lack of wood the fire goes out, And where there is no whisperer, contention quiets down. Like charcoal to hot embers and wood to fire, So is a contentious man to kindle strife ... He who hates disguises it with his lips, But he lays up deceit in his heart. When he speaks graciously, do not believe him, For there are seven abominations in his heart."  (Proverbs 26.6,18-21,24-25)

In many ways, we are our words. We are assessed by others according to how accurately and lovingly we convey information and opinions. More is written in Proverbs about words and speech than any other topic. A wise person knows that his/her character is built upon the use of words. 

We live in an age of diminished word value. Business transactions done by a handshake and verbal commitment were long ago replaced by reams of legal documents. Truth in advertising is more slogan than reality. Solemn verbal vows are easily undone in the courtroom. 

Proverbs 18.21 says it well: "Death and life are in the power of the tongue". Wise is the person who sees the power of speech, and wisely wields that power in conversation and business transactions. May we today be more aware of the tremendous power of speech, and seek God's Holy Spirit to guide our speech so as to be a blessing to all we encounter today.

Steve

©Steve Taylor, 2013
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