"Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof." - Proverbs 18:21
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We are being blessed with the wisdom of God, spoken through His Servant Solomon, discussing the wisdom of God, as it relates to speech itself.
Part 1 explored the deep connections between the domain of ideas (spiritual life, life, love) and and the expression of those ideas in our material reality... creation, physical and mental life, love, etc. We saw the connection between the Word of God, and it's expression - in written form, in vision, in idea, in Law, the Words of Jesus, and the Spirits work through the preaching of the apostles.
In "reality form" the Word as History, shows us in practice, the very real concepts of pain, suffering, betrayal, compassion,death, resurrection, redemption, salvation, glorification... exemplified through the history of God's dealing with His people, and His own personal concepts of Grace and Mercy ... Hallelujah!
Your speech reflects the choices you make on a day to day basis. What you say, to whom who say it, what you do about what you say (commitments, promises, contracts etc.), and is THE mechanism for human to human communication. Let us see, what wisdom is here....
Set B: SPEECH AND LIVELIHOOD
Pro 12:14) A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth: and the recompence of a man's hands shall be rendered unto him.
(Pro 18:20) A man's belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled.
Your verbal communication skills are a very necessary asset on the job, and key to making a good living. What you say, has a direct impact, and consequence ... on how what you reap!
SET C: TIME & PLACE -- WHEN TO KEEP ONES MOUTH SHUT
For all the talking we have done about speech, sometimes, it is better to know when NOT to speak... especially if there are consequences attached!!
(Pro 10:19) In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.
Quantity is the enemy of quality here. Actually, many words may indicate a --lack of --- either clarity of thought, or economy/effectiveness of expression.... both very necessary things!
(Pro 13:3) He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.
"There was a wise owl, who sat on an oak, the more he heard, the less he spoke, the less he spoke, the more he heard, why can't we all be like that wise little bird?" --- Traditional Nursery rhyme (this is very old wisdom too... :-))
(Pro 17:28) Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.
Here's a quick way to instantly seem smarter to your friends and co-workers.... talk less!!!
(Pro 23:9) Speak not in the ears of a fool: for he will despise the wisdom of thy words.
Know your audience... and consider well how your advice will be received!!
(Pro 30:32) If thou hast done foolishly in lifting up thyself, or if thou hast thought evil, lay thine hand upon thy mouth.
Foolish pride is one thing that will cause you to blab unwisely in many situations.... and if you are thinking of saying something nasty... don't...
(Pro 27:2) Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips.
True praise about you should be -true- praise... from other people, unsolicited! Don't be telling people how cool you are, show them!
(Pro 24:28) Be not a witness against thy neighbour without cause; and deceive not with thy lips.
Commandment #9....
(Pro 21:23) Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.
Here is a bottom line if we ever saw one..... the mark of a wise and mature human being!!!
(Pro 14:7) Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceivest not in him the lips of knowledge.
Sometimes it is better do let your feet do the talking.... you are under no obligation to keep listening to foolishness!
.(Pro 20:19) He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips. (Pro 25:23) The north wind driveth away rain: so doth an angry countenance a backbiting tongue.
Someone comes up to you with some tasty gossip.... let your face be the witness of how you would entertain such people, and they will stop coming to you without you having to say a word!! Watch out for people who flatter you ....
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Mmmmmm........... much to meditate on here, and treasure away in one's heart! This is executive education at the highest level!!
The Word is guaranteed to make the simple wise, to give us understanding, discernment... let us pay very close attention to the speech of God for that is the highest wisdom!!
Hallelujah