Daily Devotions – More Word Wisdom

Daily Devotions – More Word Wisdom

 

 

Click this link to hear an audio version of the below text narrated by SOTH member Jerry Rhinehart:  

Proverbs 18:1-12 (ESV)

18 Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment. 2 A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion. 3 When wickedness comes, contempt comes also, and with dishonor comes disgrace. 4 The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters; the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook. 5 It is not good to be partial to the wicked or to deprive the righteous of justice. 6 A fool’s lips walk into a fight, and his mouth invites a beating. 7 A fool’s mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to his soul. 8 The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels; they go down into the inner parts of the body. 9 Whoever is slack in his work is a brother to him who destroys. 10 The name of the Lord is a strong tower;
the righteous man runs into it and is safe. 11 A rich man’s wealth is his strong city, and like a high wall in his imagination. 12 Before destruction a man’s heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor.

Building on several of the verses in chapter 17, chapter 18 adds to them and expands on them. Fools are said to spout off their opinions as if they are experts (v2), foolish words cause pain and suffering (v6) eventually leading to the destruction of those who speak them (v7). Have you ever said something that once the words left your mouth you wish you could have them back? Or maybe you are always talking and it seems like no one is listening? When we are not wise with our words we can hurt our relationships with others and cause terrible problems. Are you having problems at home or at work? Does your spouse need to hear how you are right and they are wrong one more time? Do your co-workers need to hear another diatribe on why the organization should do things your way? Maybe your problems are rooted in your foolish words? Tomorrow we will look at one of the best ways to combat foolish words.