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the  Preachers  blog

Blogs are posted every Wednesday

Speaking Wise - Prov 16-21 (Ps 3) (By Lynne McCarthy)

6/7/2021

 
Observe  These chapters range from behaviour of sons to a king’s mind and heart, from making plans to living uprightly, in no particular arrangement.  Let’s look at speech, one among many topics but always relevant.

Our plans vs God’s ways:  Addressed in 16:1-4,  God has graciously given us minds to choose, to consider, to think through. We can’t rely on these, though. Planning in God’s will puts Him first. We pray for wisdom and  He assures us that as we do so, He knows the details. While these verses do not directly address speech, we often talk out our plans!

Pleasant vs abusive speech: 16:21-24; 27-30 contrast the effects of words: loving words, springing from a pure heart, bless the hearer and the speaker; harsh words only bring trouble and heartache.  17:14 addresses the problem of angry words that increase strife; best to leave off before both of these increase, bringing only destruction.      
  
Gossip and strife:  In 18:5-8, misuse of words has its own consequences. In the courts, v 8 implies a malfunctioning legal system full of innuendo, gossip, lying. Death-dealing gossip is a spreading virus.

Oddly, 18:18 says The lot puts an end to strife and separates those locked in dispute. (Recall Acts 1:26 when the apostles chose Judas’ replacement by lot.) Ultimately, God makes the choice; strife ends in a final decision.

Fools: always examples of what not to do or say. 18:2, 6-8 tell us they only want to listen to themselves, have no sense of right speaking, delight in gossip that damages another.  The ‘fruit of the lips’ praise God or destroy a reputation. Fools are oblivious to this.

False witness:  Bookends, 19:5,9 are direct repetitions, implying the need for honesty; lies will come into the open; unfit words may exploit the poor, though the poor are not immune to uttering falsehoods.

Scoffing/mocking:  19:25-20:1 and 21:16 recall Psalm 1:1c. Condemnation is appropriate for scoffers, a good beating for fools -- then will they understand?

Counsel:  20:18-19 show that major decisions need counsel but take care in choosing counselors. Can they keep shared confidences? Slander and babblers are close relatives.

Justice:  When practiced by those who love good, justice is sheer joy. (21:15). The pursuit of righteousness and kindness return these lovely virtues to those who seek good, who seek God.

No wisdom, no understanding, no counsel/can avail against the Lord. (21:30) The sovereign will of the Lord prevails in all our planning. His goodness, kindness always win out over wealth and power, certainly over evil and its adherents. This is especially true in speech.

Interpret  In Proverbs, we encounter a different mindset; our linear minds find these couplets hard to grasp. Verses repeat, maybe word for word, in different chapters; parallels and contrasts abound; an idea repeats in different ways; a topic lasts five verses then abruptly switches gears. Repetition indicates the significance of the teaching. Proverbs stretches our brains as we accommodate this circular way of thought!

Apply  Our Bible in a Year introduces us to Hebrew thought; Proverbs are meant to give life and we see God’s wisdom in them, requiring careful rereading. Maybe in the next year or two we could revisit small blocks of Wisdom literature, looking more deeply into how it still applies.  It’s all part of the Word!

Ask   Out of the heart, the mouth speaks (Mt 12:34).  Did Jesus have Proverbs in mind when he urged me to keep a clean heart, so my words honour and glorify Him, bringing His life and love to others?

Pray:  Lord, let what travels from ear to heart to mouth reflect Your kindness, goodness, righteousness, and light.  Thank You for these little gems of Your practical wisdom.

Song Psalm 3:  Not Afraid  Jason Silver
Psalm 3:  You are My Shield   My Soul among Lions
​

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St Aidan’s Anglican Church
274 Campbell Street | Winnipeg, MB R3N 1B5
Phone: 204.489.3390 Email: staidans.churchoffice@gmail.com
  • Home
  • Worship Online
  • The Preachers Blog
  • Bible in a Year
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • The Re-Gathering
  • RSVP for a Service
  • Youth
  • Cords
  • Prayer Requests
  • Request Pastoral Care
  • Give
  • Grocery Pick Up
  • Statement of Faith
  • Video Archive
    • 2023 Videos
    • Real Lives
    • 2022 Videos
    • 2021 Videos
    • 2020 Videos
  • Sermon Audio Archive
    • 2020 Sermons
    • 2019 Sermons
    • 2019 Sermon Series >
      • Gospel Centered Eternities November 2019
      • The Real Joy of Easter - Holy Week 2019
    • 2018 Sermons
    • 2018 Sermon Series >
      • Gospel Centred Church Spring 2018
      • A Gospel Shaped Church Fall 2018
    • 2017 Sermon Series >
      • The Servant King Christmas 2016
      • The Saviour King Lent 2017
      • The Victorious King Holy Week 2017
      • The Living King Easter 2017
      • The Brother King Fall 2017
      • Worship the King Advent 2017
    • 2016 Sermon Series >
      • Real Obedience Lent 2016
      • Unity of the Church
      • The Servant King Christmas 2016
    • 2015 Sermon Series >
      • Real Gifts 2015
      • Real Mission 2015
      • Mission Discerned
    • 2014 Sermon Series >
      • Real Church 2014
      • Real Lives 2014
    • 2013 Sermon Series >
      • Real God 2013
    • Sermon Archive From 2014 - 2017
  • Christianity 101
  • The Psalms Blog
  • Bible in a Year
  • The Re-Gathering