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.)
Yesterday, we considered the negative aspect of Proverbs 12:18: “There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.” Emotional damage can be inflicted like “the piercings of a sword.” Thus, we must be guarded in what we say and how we say it. We must also be astute regarding the words we hear and, especially, heed. However, the positive side of this verse (which uses a poetic device called antithetical parallelism) assures us that we can speak and hear that which is beneficial. Proverbs 12:25 (also using antithetical parallelism) reinforces this teaching: “Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.” “Heaviness” could be translated “anxiety” – how contemporary and relevant! Our God is telling us that we do not have to add to the overwhelming anxiety that many experience. Rather, we can provide a “good” or kind word of insight and encouragement that can help to heal a weeping wound. May we want God’s wisdom in giving good words to gladden even one worried man.