Putting the I into WISDOM
The Christians who have most influenced me for good have had a fully functional familiarity with the book of Proverbs. They were (and are) able to take their considerable knowledge and apply it to their lives, providing both godly examples and godly advice. Join with me as each of us endeavors to put the I into WISDOM. Let us seek to exemplify God’s wisdom in our daily lives. (I will be using this opening paragraph for each of the brief messages in this series. The following material will change daily.)
As we have considered in the past week, our words are strong because they sink in – emotionally, physically, attitudinally, and foundationally. These same words that sink in also spread out, from person to person, from mouth and ear to action. Proverbs 16:27-38 says, “An ungodly man diggeth up evil: and in his lips there is as a burning fire. A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.” Note the four instances of spreading negative words. First, we can dig up that which is past and buried and bring it forth for dissemination. Second, “a burning fire” quickly and destructively expands. Third, the word “soweth” reminds us of the ancient method of planting by scattering seeds in prepared ground. Fourth, the hints and suggestions of “a whisperer” are soon loud enough to divide close relationships; think of how quickly gossip spreads in schools, for example (and, sadly, in what used to be the news media). A New Testament equivalent of these comparisons is found in James 3:1-10; to read this passage is to nod in heartfelt agreement and humble acceptance. The very nature of words is that they are shared with others. May we spread words that are valuable and edifying, especially words about our Savior, Jesus Christ.