Proverbs 18:20-21, On Saying and Sowing

December 4, Proverbs 18:20-21

Matt. 12:31-37; Rom. 10:9-10 “Of every idle word… give account…”

On Saying and Sowing

If one is filled with the increase of his lips will his belly be satisfied? Will his words provide a nutritious or noxious diet, either for himself or his hearers? Will the power of the tongue bring ruin or relief? Such is the question raised by today’s proverbs.

1. You Are What You Say (20)! The word belly as used here means the womb, the innermost part, the soul (Pr. 18:8, 20:27, Job 38:29). It echoes the words of Jesus, Out of his belly shall flow rivers of living waters (Jn. 7:38). If the fruit of his mouth is good fruit, and the increase [the yield] of his lips continues to be good, he shall be satisfied and he shall be filled (same word). That is, he shall be satisfied within himself, and be at peace with himself. Matthew Henry called the belly, the conscience, which is either for us or against us depending on whether the fruit of our lips is good or bad. If we will eat the fruit of our lips, and expect to be satisfied thereby, we must be as careful to cultivate our speech as we are in growing and choosing the fruit we eat! We must strive to speak only that which is worth hearing! Hosea speaks about this eating. He challenges Israel to, Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground…. ye have eaten the fruit of lies (10:12-13). Jesus, when asked by His disciples to eat the food they had brought, said, I have meat to eat that ye know not of (Jn. 4:32). Let our mouth speak the truth, and say what will benefit our hearers, and that will bring the greatest satisfaction, whether our words are received or rejected. Scripture tells us we are as responsible for our words as we are for our works (Pr. 12:13-14; 13:2).

2. They Reap What You Sow (21)! What a grave light this throws on the verse above, and upon all our speech! The power of the tongue holds the issues of life or death! Sow ill; reap ill! Yes, the hearers reap what the speaker sows! Our words can help or hinder our hearers. “Many a one has caused his own death, or the death of others, by a false or injurious tongue” (Henry). What a warning this is to all, but especially to those who profess to be ministers of the Gospel (Rom. 10:1415). They that love it means not only love the power of their tongue but they love what they say. Some speak the truth no matter what the cost, not just to win the favour of men, but of God (Eph. 4:29). Others, alas! love slander, obscenity, infidelity, skepticism, and speak only to mock, to tear down the faith of their hearers (2 Pet. 2:18). One has the tongue of life, the other, the chilling breath of death. There are many, says Paul, unruly and vain talkers and deceivers… whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses (Tit. 1:10-11). The Psalmist lays this charge against the mighty man. Thou lovest all devouring words, O thou deceitful tongue, (52:4). “If we bridle not our tongue, how shall we look our Judge in the face?” (Lawson)

Thought: O then, “Guard this little member, the tongue” (Chrysostom).

Prayer: O my God, take my heart and tongue and make them thine.