Read Proverbs 12
Highlights:
Moral virtues; the pitfalls of evil.
Lying lips are abomination to the Lord: but they that deal truly are His delight (Prov. 12:22).
Christ exposed the fact that all lies originate from Satan (John 8:44). It was Satan who lied to Eve and brought death into the world. This lie caused sin, pain and destruction to become reality. Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned (Rom. 5:12). One lie can cause many problems for both — the one being lied about and the liar himself.
A lying tongue can destroy the effectiveness of another person's life. Just one conversation can do irreparable damage. Though the lying tongue is but for a moment (Prov. 12:19), its effects can last a lifetime and maybe for generations.
A vicious lie can strip a man of his good name and destroy his character. But sincere, thoughtful words help heal the wounded spirit that has been crushed by the slandering tongue. It is so important that we keep our tongues in subjection. We need to think before we speak. Ask yourself, how is what I am about to say going to impact God's Kingdom? Am I going to defame someone's character? Will what I say help this person and be pleasing to the Lord? Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation (1 Pet. 2:12).
The tongue that is controlled by the Holy Spirit becomes an instrument of imparting His life to others. Often, we only think of the tongue as being an instrument for evil. There are so many Scriptures that describe it so. However, the tongue can be used to edify, encourage, uplift, teach and counsel, among other things that will do good to and for the Body of Christ. Many tongues had spoken against the woman of Samaria who met Jesus at the well. After meeting Jesus face to face she used her voice to bring others unto Him. Through her witness many believed. . . . that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world (John 4:6-42). Likewise, Jesus met ten men that were lepers who lifted up their voices for mercy and were healed. The Lord instructed them to go show the priests (Luke 17:13-14).
And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God (Luke 17:15).
Thought for Today:
Guard your tongue — speak only those things that build up another.
Christ Revealed:
As One who hates Lying (Prov. 12:22). He that sat upon the throne said. . . . all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone (Rev. 21:5,8).
Word Studies:
12:1 brutish, without regard to reason or propriety; 12:11 vain, worthless; 12:25 Heaviness, Worry; maketh it stoop, causes depression; 13:11 vanity, dishonesty; 13:16 layeth open, exposes; 14:1 plucketh, tears; 14:23 penury, poverty; 15:1 grievous, harsh; 15:17 stalled, fattened; 15:27 gifts, bribes.
Prayer Suggestion: Praise God in prayer and with singing for His Word is pure and His works are done in truth (Ps. 33:2-4).
Optional Reading: Philemon 1
Memory Verse for the Week: Galatians 6:9
