Our Speech Should be Uplifting
July 14, 2019
Commentary
Again we are reminded of the theme of this entire book of Proverbs. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction” (Prov. 1:7). A wise son will listen to his parents who have already been down the road of experience. The scorner refuses to listen and has to learn for himself by bitter experience the things he might have been saved from, had he been humble enough to accept counsel (v. 1).
The speech of a good man is uplifting and others are benefitted by it (vv. 2-3). By speaking positively and helping others this person is also blessed. Being careful as to what we say will help to keep us out of trouble. Speaking hastily and thoughtlessly only brings on trouble.
A lazy person is always filled with the desire for food and the good things of life but his desires are not satisfied because he is not willing to work (vv. 4-5). On the other hand the diligent see their desires fulfilled because they faithfully work to accomplish their desired goals.
Application
These verses are the kind of teaching a father needs to give to his children. It is important that I have a discussion soon on the life principles outlined in these verses? What I say and what I do are very important in life.
Proverbs 13:1– 5 (NET)
1 A wise son accepts his father’s discipline, but a scoffer has never listened to rebuke.
2 From the fruit of his speech a person eats good things, but the treacherous desire the fruit of violence.
3 The one who guards his words guards his life; whoever is talkative will come to ruin.
4 The appetite of the sluggard craves but gets nothing, but the desire of the diligent will be abundantly satisfied.
5 The righteous person will reject anything false, but the wicked person will act in shameful disgrace.
Illustration: Ingersoll Challenges God to Strike Him Dead
When the infidel Robert G. Ingersoll was delivering his lectures against Christ and the Bible, his oratorical ability usually assured him of a large crowd. One night after an inflammatory speech in which he severely attacked man’s faith in the Savior, he dramatically took out his watch and said, “I’ll give God a chance to prove that He exists and is almighty. I challenge Him to strike me dead within 5 minutes!” First there was silence, then people became uneasy. Some left the hall, unable to take the nervous strain of the occasion, and one woman fainted. At the end of the allotted time, the atheist exclaimed derisively, “See! There is no God. I am still very much alive!” After the lecture a young fellow said to a Christian lady, “Well, Ingersoll certainly proved something tonight!” Her reply was memorable. “ Yes he did,” she said. “He proved God isn’t taking orders from atheists tonight.” (Source Unknown, Lou Nicholes -Missionary/Author).