Tag: Proverbs 18

Precision Speech

Ephesians 4:29 offers us a vital reminder: “You must let no unwholesome word come out of your mouth, but only what is beneficial for the building up of the one in need, that it may give grace to those who hear” (NET). The command here isn’t just about avoiding foul language or gossip but speaks to a broader discipline—intentionality in our speech.

Words have incredible power. Proverbs 18:21 teaches us that “the tongue has the power of life and death.” With our words, we can build up or tear down, give grace or grief, spark joy or sorrow. Paul’s instruction calls us to a higher standard: speaking not what comes easiest or feels satisfying in the moment, but what is thoughtful and beneficial for others.

Consider how often we speak without thinking. An offhand comment, an unfiltered reply, or a casual critique can leave wounds we never intended. Yet, when we choose our words with care—offering encouragement, speaking truth in love, or simply remaining silent when needed—we can profoundly bless those around us.

The challenge of precision speech is compounded in a world of instant communication. Social media, texting, and emails invite rapid, reactionary replies. But what if we approached every word with the intentionality Paul prescribes? Before speaking or typing, we could pause and ask:

  • Does this build someone up?
  • Does it meet a real need?
  • Does it reflect God’s grace?

Precision in speech isn’t about perfection but purpose. It’s about using our words as tools for edification rather than weapons of division. This discipline mirrors the character of Jesus, who always spoke with wisdom, truth, and grace.

Today, let’s embrace the challenge of intentional words. Speak life, encouragement, and hope. Build up, bless, and be silent when necessary. In doing so, our speech will reflect the God who speaks with purpose and love.

Listen First, Then Speak

Another day in the Proverbs, another day of hearing things that directly challenge and encourage me. I know people refer to the Psalms and Soul Salve, but for me Proverbs fits that bill much better. And today the theme that jumped out and struck me was about listening. About gathering information in order to make informed decisions. This is not always something we are good at, and so it becomes a worthwhile challenge to hear. From today’s passage (all renderings are NLT):

Fools have no interest in understanding; they only want to air their own opinions. (18:2) Spouting off before listening to the facts is both shameful and foolish. (18:13) The first to speak in court sounds right—until the cross-examination begins. (18:17) Enthusiasm without knowledge is no good; haste makes mistakes. (19:2) Get all the advice you can, so you will be wise the rest of your life. (19:20) If you stop listening to instruction, my child, you will turn your back on knowledge. (10:27)

As James chapter 3 highlights so forcefully, the tongue has the most damage-inflicting power of any muscle in our bodies. James tells us it’s full of poison. All the more reason that we should seek council, listen to all the witnesses, and ask for what Paul Harvey would call “the rest of the story”.

As we read yesterday, there is a path that seems right to us, but is less to death. This is what we read about throughout the book of Judges! People did what was right in their own eyes and it led to horrific outcomes! If you don’t remember how bad it got, go read Judges 19 again. And then — after acting like fools — we wonder why God has abandoned us! Like we left Him behind to go our own way, and then act like it was His fault! And if we never learn to listen, we will end up in that same scenario over, and over, and over again.

People ruin their lives by their own foolishness and then are angry at the Lord (Proverbs 19:3)

What is Casting Lots Anyway?

Just a brief explainer for today.

We see casting lots pop up 25 times in the Bible. The first is God giving directions to Aaron in Leviticus 16:7-9, the final one is the nomination of Mathias in Acts 1:26, and the most secular is the dividing of Jesus’ clothes in Matthew 27:35, Mark 15:24-25, Luke 23:34, and John 19:23-24. I always sort of pictured is as drawing straws, but it was literally rolling dice, and that’s how the NET Bible translates it.

If this seems random to you, I can certainly understand why, but Solomon assures us:

The dice are thrown into the lap, but their every decision is from the Lord. 

Proverbs 16:33, NET

1 Chronicles 23-25 | 123/365

Assuming Motives

David has what might today be described as a “peace treaty” with the Ammonites and their king Nahash, and when Nahash died, David sent some ambassadors to the new king of the Ammonites; his son Hanun. But Hanun listening to the nattering of his commanders who managed to convince him that David was not seeking to extend the peace treaty, but rather that these men were spies. As a result, the ambassadors were shamed and embarrassed and sent on their way. This resulted in a military response from Israel and the subjugation of the Ammonites to Israel as servants.

So then, rather than get the blessing of peace and whatever else might have arisen from the relationship with God’s chosen nation, the Ammonites got less than nothing. They got punishment. What are you missing out on because you have made assumptions about motives? How are you cheating yourself by listening to the idle chatter and gossip of the embarrassingly uninformed rather than seeking the Lord for His guidance and wisdom?

Don’t assume facts not in evidence. Trust the Lord and allow people to show you who they are. This isn’t a call to being foolish or reckless, but give people space to show you who they are before you make decisions. Just yesterday at a Calvary Global Network retreat one of the other pastors shared the following verse. And I’ll end with this today:

To answer before listening—
    that is folly and shame.

Proverbs 18:13, NIV
2 Samuel 8:15-10:19; 1 Chronicles 6:16-48, 50-53, 18:14-17, 19:1-19 | 115/365