Proverbs 13:2-3, Talk – Good or Bad!
June 27, Proverbs 13:2-3
James 3:1-12 “Death and life are in the power of the tongue” (Pr. 18:21).
Talk – Good or Bad!
13:2-3 (12:14) is a familiar theme in Proverbs, but will we ever get the message that what we say can do as much harm as what we do? Let us follow the adage: “Look before you leap” with: “Think before you speak.” We get back what we deserve. “Keep a strong bridle on the tongue and a strong hand on the bridle.” In proportion as we bridle the little member the peace of God will rule the heart.
1. Productive Words: A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth (13:2a). David Thomas called this “the self-profiting in speech.” Good speech brings its benefits to the speaker as well as the hearer. It produces inward comfort and satisfaction that provides a continual feast for his own soul. “Never shall we carry upon our lips that Beloved Name to our fellow-sinners in simplicity, but its savour to our own souls will be ‘as ointment poured forth’” (Bridges). When we distribute the heavenly manna to others, we ourselves are nourished in the process. Blessed indeed is such a speaker (Rom. 6:22).
2. Provocative Words: The soul of the transgressors shall eat violence (13:2b). This is “self-ruinous speech” (Thomas). Soul here means desire, appetite, the very essence of life. The treacherous are those who deal deceitfully with their fellow Jews (Ps. 78:57). This word is repeated five times with striking alliteration in Isaiah 24:16. Their desire is to inflict violence, by their injurious language, on others, but it shall satisfy itself by turning against him. Job cried, My brethren have dealt deceitfully as a brook, and as the stream of brooks they pass away (6:15). Why should this be? Because, says Job, he forsakes the fear of the Almighty. Such transgressors will have to eat their own words (Mal. 2:14-17).
3. Protective Words: He that keeps (protects) his mouth keeps (preserves, different word) his life (his soul) (13:3a). We must keep (protect) our hearts with all diligence (with all preserving) (4:23). This is to guard, protect, the Citadel, but here we are to keep, protect, the mouth (Ps. 141:3). This sets a watch at the Gates, and thus the whole Citadel is safe. This is speech that is useful, because protective by not giving place to the devil (Eph. 4:27). It both preserves the speaker and protects his speech.
4. Projective Words: He that openeth wide (a rare word) his lips shall have destruction (terror). This person is talkative, and, therefore, liable to be very dangerous (10:14, 19). “He is self-reckless” (Thomas). What evils have come from this wide-lipped person in families, churches and nations (Rom. 6:21)? “He that loves to bawl and bluster and make a noise, will find it will be the destruction of his reputation, his interest, and his comfort” (Henry). To be held wise hold thy tongue!
Thought: “Give not thy tongue too great liberty, lest it take thee prisoner” (Quarles).
Prayer: Save me from the need of repentance from too much speaking.