POWER OF WORDS
A fool’s mouth is his destruction, And his lips are the snare of his soul. The words of a talebearer are like tasty trifles, And they go down into the inmost body.
We all have heard the phrase “guilty by association,” but have we heard of “hurt by association”? Proverbs says a lot about wisdom and acting like a fool. The word “fool” is not used as an insult, or does it mean a person’s IQ. Fool is a word that describes a state of mind and a matter of character in a person.
“A fool’s mouth is his destruction, And his lips are the snare of his soul. The words of a talebearer are like tasty trifles, And they go down into the inmost body.” (Proverbs 18:7-8)
Solomon writes about a challenge that we all face still today. Controlling our words! The two individuals that He talks about are the fool and the gossip/slanderer.
The fool is a person who lacks wisdom in both what they say and what they do. They are by their nature undisciplined, slow to listen, and the first ones to talk without thinking. Fools come in all different shapes and sizes, but one characteristic of fools is the same. The words that come out of their mouth.
“A fool’s lips enter into contention, And his mouth calls for blows.” (Proverbs 18:6)
Notice the nature of a fool. Their mouth is always a problem for themselves, their family, and those closest to them. Wherever they go, strife, division, and bitterness follow. They are often embroiled in conflict. They have a pattern of getting a new job, and then there is trouble. They change churches, and trouble follows. They have a family gathering, and trouble explodes. The fool’s mouth is their trouble!
Solomon introduces a second individual who also has trouble with their mouth, the “talebearer”
“The words of a talebearer are like tasty trifles, And they go down into the inmost body.” (Proverbs 18:8)
The “talebearer” is a person that likes to gossip and slander people. Unlike the fool whose mouth creates their own destruction, the talebearer is malicious and spiteful, wounding, and destroying without discretion. Their manner is covert, and their pattern is to sow seeds of disunity and discord with their words.
“I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to have the preeminence among them, does not receive us. Therefore, if I come, I will call to mind his deeds which he does, prating against us with malicious words. And not content with that, he himself does not receive the brethren, and forbids those who wish to, putting them out of the church. Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. He who does good is of God, but he who does evil has not seen God.” (3 John 1:9-11)
A person that gossips and slanders wound victims and impale good people with their words. They seldom repent or make the people whole that they talk bad about. They burn bridges and give little thought that they have committed bad deeds against God and His people.
“Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.” (Ephesians 4:29)
If respecting God is the beginning of wisdom, the opposite means: A fool is someone that does not respect God.
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” (Proverbs 9:10)
While we all act foolishly at times, there is a significant difference between making mistakes and living opposed to God. Fools refuse to accept advice or correction from others, and they intentionally try to hurt others. But, those who respect God make a conscious effort to find peace, tell the truth, work hard, and encourage others.
“He who speaks truth declares righteousness, But a false witness, deceit. There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, But the tongue of the wise promotes health. The truthful lip shall be established forever, But a lying tongue is but for a moment. Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, But counselors of peace have joy. No grave trouble will overtake the righteous, But the wicked shall be filled with evil. Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD, But those who deal truthfully are His delight. A prudent man conceals knowledge, But the heart of fools proclaims foolishness. The hand of the diligent will rule, But the lazy man will be put to forced labor. Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, But a good word makes it glad. The righteous should choose his friends carefully, For the way of the wicked leads them astray. The lazy man does not roast what he took in hunting, But diligence is man’s precious possession. In the way of righteousness is life, And in its pathway there is no death.” (Proverbs 12:17-28)
The people that we surround ourselves with have a direct impact on how we pursue the life that Jesus wants us to have. It is not possible to follow Jesus and ignore His warnings about the kind of people we should not be around.
The friends that we have influence the direction we will go. If we want to be wise, we need to surround ourselves with wise people that encourage us to make Godly decisions and help us avoid acting the part of the fool.
Who do you know that will encourage you to follow Jesus?
Heavenly Father, I am so thankful for Your wisdom and instruction of Love. I want to be wise and make Godly decisions. I ask You to lead me to the people that will be the encouragement I need, and as I study Your Word, please show me how to be a wise person to help and encourage others. I do not want to allow any corrupt word to proceed out of my mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. I know as I surround myself with the right people, they will have a direct impact on how I pursue the life that I am to have in You. Thank You, Father. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
DO YOU NEED PRAYER?
WE ARE HERE
TO PRAY WITH YOU
What verse brings you the most encouragement and comfort? Share yours on our Facebook page.
If We Want To Be Wise, We Need To Surround Ourselves With Wise People That Encourage Us To Make Godly Decisions
Do you like our devotions? We reach over 80,000 people a day with our devotions.
HELP US
REACH THE NEXT PERSON WITH THE GRACE AND TRUTH OF THE BIBLE.
Even the smallest donation helps reach people around the world with the life-changing wisdom of the Bible.
E-PRAYER REQUESTS
WE'RE LISTENING
We believe in the power of prayer and the difference that it can make in your life.