Just as our life in Christ is expressed through our actions, righteousness is preserved through what we take in through our ears and speak out with our lips, mouth, or tongue. We cannot always shield our ears from unrighteous words, but we can make choices with what we do in reaction to accusations, evil speech, slander, ridicule, and worldly noise.
As you read these verses from Proverbs today, it’s clear to see the works of the righteous, but take special note of the importance of your ears and tongue in living out the righteousness of Christ.
Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits lacks sense. Whoever is wicked covets the spoil of evildoers, but the root of the righteous bears fruit. An evil man is ensnared by the transgression of his lips, but the righteous escapes from trouble. From the fruit of his mouth a man is satisfied with good, and the work of a man’s hand comes back to him. The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice. The vexation of a fool is known at once, but the prudent ignores an insult. Whoever speaks the truth gives honest evidence, but a false witness utters deceit. There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment. Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, but those who plan peace have joy. No ill befalls the righteous, but the wicked are filled with trouble. Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are his delight. A prudent man conceals knowledge, but the heart of fools proclaims folly. (Proverbs 12:11-23 ESV)
Take good advice and ignore an insult
As we strive to live the life Christ modeled, our good works and actions will yield fruit for his glory. Often, when we’re struggling to know which way is best, God brings godly friends to give us insight and direction that lines up with His Word and will. As the proverb says, the righteous escapes trouble because in wisdom, he listens to advice. He waits to speak, while the evil, self-sufficient man gets trapped in his own words.
We listen to advice, both from the Spirit of God and godly friends, because we know our own limitations. Listening to others is an act of humility. I don’t know everything. I’m not my own god. I need God to guide me through His Word, Spirit, and the family of believers. This is one of the benefits of being a part of the church—we carry each other’s burdens. We work together to know what best glorifies God in our lives and work.
The foolish man does as rebellious Israel did in the days of the judges—what’s best in his own eyes. Listening to others’ advice is smart and wise.
At the same time, the righteous man will reject that which does not honor God or damages himself or others as those made in the image of God. It is easy to take offense when you are not secure in your identity in Christ. This passage is clear about the contrast: “The vexation of a fool is known at once, but the prudent ignores an insult” (v. 16).
Not only will our ears seek out good advice from others, but we must turn them off to that which hurts or harms us. When we choose to ignore an insult, we don’t risk the side effects of taking it personally, like high blood pressure, returning insult with insult, anger, broken relationships, and long-term health issues.
The ears of the righteous play a huge role in maintaining a right spirit. Our ears may seem to be a passive part of our five senses, but they directly affect our mind, heart, and what comes out of our mouths.
The mouth of the righteous
Our words carry weight, and this passage is clear about the implications of those that come from a person in rebellion against God and the one who lives in accordance with the righteousness of God. Instead of being ensnared by what we say, the righteous escape trouble and the traps of the devil by the words they speak.
“From the fruit of his mouth a man is satisfied with good” (v. 14) means that when we are content with what we have and do, our words will convey such satisfaction. We learn this from God, who at creation proclaimed, “It is good,” after considering the work He had accomplished. We too can be content in a job well-done for the Lord. “Thank you, Lord, for helping me finish that project and doing it to the best of my ability.”
Just as we seek to ignore those harsh words of the wicked, this passage shows us that the words of the righteous are a blessing to others, because they bring healing. This doesn’t mean we speak instant healing into someone’s illness, but that by our words that honor God and His Word, others are encouraged, lifted up, comforted, and find hope. Relationships can be restored by the healing words of a righteous friend, as they serve as peacemakers.
“Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment” (v. 19). This truth is a wonderful reminder that as we speak the truth and the Word of God to others, we leave a lasting legacy in lives, far beyond our lifespan. Why? Because God’s truth serves as seeds we plant in the lives of others. They may take root immediately or remain to later be combined with other words of witness.
“For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it. (Isaiah 55:10-11)
Delight the Lord with your words and deeds
As we live and move through this earthly life, we act and speak out of the joy we have in Christ Jesus. As we see in this passage, “those who plan peace have joy” (v. 20). We listen and speak out of the peace that God puts into our hearts and minds, and as a result, remain joyful no matter the circumstances around us.
While the wicked act and speak in rejection of the good things of God, those who speak and act faithfully are “his delight” (v. 22). May the Lord delight in you as you ignore all that insults His character and creation and speak and live out of the truth of His Word, making a lasting impact on others to His glory.
Grace and Peace
If you missed the last Friday Focus post, click HERE, or start this Walking in Wisdom series from the beginning.
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