A Life in Exile

As we continue to lean into the wisdom of the book of Proverbs, it becomes clear that investment in God’s Word impacts all we do and say. Today we are going to focus on that final point by asking ourselves the question: How does God’s wisdom affect our words?

As we read these verses from the fifteenth chapter of Proverbs, think about how evident it is to others that you speak from the embedded Word of God. This is a long section, but there are several notes about wise words we can glean.

A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger quiets contention. The way of a sluggard is like a hedge of thorns, but the path of the upright is a level highway. A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish man despises his mother. Folly is a joy to him who lacks sense, but a man of understanding walks straight ahead. Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed. To make an apt answer is a joy to a man, and a word in season, how good it is! The path of life leads upward for the prudent, that he may turn away from Sheol beneath. The Lord tears down the house of the proud but maintains the widow’s boundaries. The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the Lord, but gracious words are pure. Whoever is greedy for unjust gain troubles his own household, but he who hates bribes will live. The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things. The Lord is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous. The light of the eyes rejoices the heart, and good news refreshes the bones. (Proverbs 15:18-30 ESV)

Wisdom affects others

The first four verses in this passage reveal the importance of wise words on others.

• The slow to anger quiets contention
• Makes a father glad
• Keeps one on the straight path.

Remembering the first verse of this chapter, we are reminded that in contrast to a hot-tempered man, the person who is slow to anger is able to quiet contention. Verse 1 said it this way: “A soft answer turns away wrath.” Words, amply spoken, calm down arguments between others. How good are we at restraining ourselves from anger and speaking calmly and with respect when emotions are high? Our words don’t incite others to anger or violence.

When I think about how a wise son makes a glad father, again, I focus on how sons speak back to their fathers. Is it with respect and honor or anger and insolence? The wise son will use words to build a father up and help him. Words make a difference in family relationships.

The man who walks the straight path is one who lets his yes be yes, and no be no. His wise actions are reflected in words of understanding and confidence. Walking in the way of the Lord is the straight path of righteousness, and our words will bear witness to our clarity of purpose. Our words don’t confuse others.

The wise seek counsel, speak aptly, and with grace

How can we speak with wisdom without consultation? We consult, first and foremost, the Word of God, and also the wise advice of fellow mature believers. For this reason, these next few verses reflect the result of wise input into our lives:

• The wise succeed with many advisors
• They are able to give apt answers that bring joy
• They offer words at just the right time
• And their words are gracious and pure.

It is easy to see how people who are rooted in the Word of God and seek godly counsel are able to succeed in life. This is not a prosperity gospel, but an indication that living by God’s Word and wise counsel, a person can live in confident assurance that God will bless and guide their every endeavor.

When one of those godly advisors provides an appropriate answer to a man who is seeking God’s direction, the man receives it with joy and confidence that this word is full of wisdom. Do we sometimes delay in speaking into a person’s life, not realizing that the prompting of the Spirit is saying that this is the season, the time when they need encouragement or correction? Ask the Lord how he can use you to be a godly advisor to others. Think about how your words can be a blessing to the success of a friend.

When we are asked for advice, are we gracious, or do we give input out of our selfish pride and arrogance? Often, people give unsolicited advice, which also often means unwelcomed advice. I’ve been there, done that, and I know it can hurt and not help a relationship. Instead, when we are patient and wait to be asked, our words are given with grace and are thus more in line with God’s Word and seen as pure. Does grace flow through your words?

The wise think before they speak, and their words are welcomed

The final few verses get to the heart of the matter, and are often the most difficult for me personally:

• The righteous ponder how to answer.

All of the wise choices given in the earlier verses hinge on this final note. Without thinking first, without pondering on what God’s Word says about the matter, or if it is our place to speak, we mess up. We spew out personal opinions, emotional reactions, and words that have no positive lasting impact. They may impact the hearer, but not in a good way. We don’t want that.

Instead, as we think first—pray and ponder—our words bring joy to the heart of the listener, refresh their bones, and bring life. Words matter. Wise words make a difference to God’s glory.

Grace and Peace

If you missed the last Friday Focus post, click HERE, or start this Walking in Wisdom series from the beginning.