Proverbs 15:1-3

A gentle answer deflects wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger (1)

Have you ever found yourself in a situation that you actually had to put into practice, patience and self-control, where you were just biting your tongue not to say anything? It can be hard not to say the first things that come into your mind, and be completely “unfiltered”. However this is not what the bible tells us to do, we are to be gentle in our responses, nothing would be worse than to give an unbeliever or someone jaded by the whole church experience, yet another reason to not like us. Don’t let your pride or ambition rule your thought process, using moderation is key. We need to remember that we are set apart, we are supposed to re-act with kindness. This verse says that gentleness in our answers actually deflects wrath. Webster defines deflect as, a cause for someone to deviate from an intended purpose. Your response can actually change a tense situation into one that reflects Christ.

The tongue of the wise makes knowledge appealing, but the mouth of a fool belches out foolishness (2)

I want nothing more than to make my heavenly father look good and to talk about him in a way that makes even the foolish of them listen, and to make it appealing too. But how do we do that? Pray, read your bible, don’t be fooled by the lies and be careful of the advice you receive. Ask that God helps you when you get into situations and that he would ultimately be glorified through it. I recently listened to a conversation that had me dumbfounded. The foolishness that came out of this person was astounding, that I had to resist the urge to make a face. Instead I made myself see them like Jesus sees them, lost and confused, changing my perspective tends to make me more understanding. Hide God’s word in your heart so that it can come out when you need it most.

The Lord is watching everywhere, keeping his eye both on good and the evil. (3)

Thank God he is everywhere! He has gone before us, so he must know. He watches out for his own, and he protects us. He knows the dishonest and he knows the good, Christ will eventually bring all actions under his judgement. So when you are faced with the challenges of life, remember that God is watching, his coming is eminent, he hasn’t left you, and he knows.

Proverbs 14:7-8

Stay away from a fool, for you will not find knowledge on his lips. (7) This isn’t the first time the bible warns us about hanging around the wrong people. Using discernment is key here, you know, first impressions. If they cannot teach you wisdom, and what comes out of their mouth isn’t the same as the truth you know, then you should walk away or consider them an acquaintance. The fool shuts himself out from even having the capacity to understand truth.

The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways, but the folly of fools is deception (8). Having wisdom is important, we are to pray for it (Jas 5) a prudent person gives thoughts to his steps. The Old Testament reminds us of a few women who overcame some challenges that they were presented with, and they did so because they were smart. The lives of Naomi and Esther, played vital roles in God’s history of salvation, they lived their lives with a responsible attitude of faith. Being clever just so that you can look better and achieve your own goal is not ok. But using it responsibly and in total dependence to God, brings blessings. A fool only deceives himself, they believe their own propaganda. We are supposed to encourage each other daily and build each other up so that we don’t get caught in “almost-not-truths.” It’s easy to do, I’m just as guilty of being deceived, that’s even more reason to be continually seeking knowledge and understanding, so that the times we aren’t certain, we know where to run. Straight to God!

 Proverbs 12: 25-26

How many times have you heard this verse, and how many times have you been a recipient of an encouraging word? There’s nothing like being heavy with worry and discouragement walking through the grocery store when you hear your cell phone chime. You look down to see a text, but not just any text, one that was meant for you at exactly that moment, a word of encouragement!

It’s true what King Solomon says in verse 25 and 26, I mean what a relief, especially when you start sobbing right there in the produce section. Now I’m not saying that this will always be the case, you know, tears strewn over the strawberries. However, the fact is, it was helpful and it came from a friend who loves God, speaks his truth, and gives wise counsel.

So now I encourage you to be a light in a dark world, speaking life and thoughtful things, you don’t know how and when God can use you. Maybe it’s the person you work with or the friend that lives down the street. It’s the little things and the good advice when all seems lost that can cheer someone up. Today pray and ask God how he can use you, and then don’t forget to thank him when he does.