Read Proverbs 4
Highlights:
The power of wisdom is to protect from evil; seven most hated sins; necessity of keeping God's Commandments.
These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto Him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren (Prov. 6:16-19).
The first of these seven most hated sins is a proud look. It precedes the other six sins that are an abomination to God. It was pride that deceived Eve to believe Satan and eat the forbidden fruit (Gen. 3:5-6). Three of these sins are directly caused by an evil tongue. Telling lies, giving a false testimony against someone, and causing Christians to be at odds with each other are examples of these. The tongue is often a wicked thing. And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell (James 3:6).
Because of the tongue, the effective witness of many Christians is seriously hindered. Instead of showing the love of Christ, they have destroyed their usefulness by their careless talk. At one time they might have been known as a true follower of Christ. However, unmindful of the consequences, they have spoken hurtful and hateful things. Each time they speak they tear their own reputation down just as much as those they were criticizing. They may have thought they were building themselves up, but they were wrong. But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus (II Tim. 2:16-17).
In following the example of Jesus we are told: The words of the Lord are pure words (Ps. 12:6). The blessed Christian is a “peacemaker” (Matt. 5:9) whose mouth is an overflow of the Spirit-filled life found in Jesus. The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, and his tongue talketh of judgment. The Law of his God is in his heart (Ps. 37:30-31).
A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. . . . For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned (Matt. 12:35,37).
Thought for Today:
Our speech often exposes our inner thoughts.
Christ Revealed:
By the teacher of wisdom (Prov. 4:7,11). Christ is the Teacher in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Col. 2:3).
Word Studies:
4:12 straitened, hindered; 4:13 fast, firm; 4:24 froward mouth, deceitful talk; 5:3 strange, adulterous; 5:6 moveable, irresponsible, unstable; 5:19 ravished, delighted; 5:22 holden with the cords of his sins, ensnared, held fast by the control of his sins; 6:12 naughty, worthless, wicked; 6:26 whorish woman, prostitute; 7:10 subtil, deceitful; 7:18 solace, delight, enjoy.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Government Officials: Gov. Dannel Patrick Malloy (CT), Rep. Edolphus Towns (NY), Rep. James E. Clyburn (SC), Rep. Mick Michael Mulvaney (SC), Rep. John J. Duncan, Jr. (TN), Rep. Phil Roe (TN), and Sen. John Anthony Barrasso (WY) • Country: Monaco (32,000) in southeastern France • Major languages: French and English • No open evangelism permitted • 90% Roman Catholic; 7% Protestant; 1% Eastern Orthodox • Prayer Suggestion: Confess your sins to the Lord; He is quick to forgive (Ps. 32:5).
Optional Reading: Titus 2
Memory Verse for the Week: Galatians 6:8
