Proverbs 12:17-28
“He that speaketh
truth showeth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit. There is that speaketh like the piercings of
a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.
The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is
but for a moment. ” (Proverbs 12:17-19)
There is a tendency to not think about what we are
saying. In Matthew 12:36-37 Jesus
warned, “But I say unto you, That every
idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of
judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and
by thy words thou shalt be condemned.”
We are repeatedly told that our words show
what is in our heart. A person who
habitually tells the truth demonstrates an attitude of doing right while one
who lies indicates they are trying to deceive and trick people. Some people use their mouth to emotionally
devastate people but wise and good people use it to build up instead. Lies are only temporary expedients that soon
lose their value, whereas the truth produces permanent benefits.
“Deceit is in the
heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counsellors of peace is joy. There shall no evil happen to the just: but
the wicked shall be filled with mischief.
Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his
delight. ” (Proverbs 12:20-22))
People who dream up evil things deceive themselves into
believing hurting others will make them happy, but those who do and encourage others
to treat people properly experience the happiness and joy the others miss. The person who does evil will have more
trouble than he can imagine, while the person who does right will escape most
of it. God hates lies and dishonesty,
but he is delighted by honesty and truthfulness.
“A prudent man
concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness.”
(Proverbs 12:23)
A wise, careful person doesn’t tell everything he thinks he
knows, but a foolish person tells more than he knows, making his foolishness
apparent to those who those who do know.
“The hand of the
diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute. ” (Proverbs
12:4)
The person who has taken care of his business will
eventually come to the top, being in charge, but the man who doesn’t take care
of his business will constantly go farther into debt and under other people’s
power.
“Heaviness in the
heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad” (Proverbs 12:25).
Sorrow, discouragement and fear make a man feel depressed
and hopeless. Just a few words of encouragement can
completely reverse that depression and produce a sense of rejoicing instead.
“The righteous is more
excellent than his neighbour: but the way of the wicked seduceth them. ”
(Proverbs 12:26)
The man who does right and has an attitude of doing right is
better than those around him, but like his neighbors, he can be tempted by the
apparent success of the wicked around him.
“The slothful man
roasteth not that which he took in hunting: but the substance of a diligent man
is precious. ” (Proverbs 12:27))
The lazy indolent man has to depend on others for his food,
and it means little to him, but the man who worked for it can take pleasure in
knowing he earned it.
“In the way of
righteousness is life; and in the pathway thereof there is no death.” (Proverbs
12:28)
A righteous attitude and lifestyle leads to a peaceful and
happy life, and eventually to eternal life in heaven. Even at its worst, there is still a sense
that life has meaning and hope.
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