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 pours 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
My Glimpses of Heaven with Divine Guidance
