Proverbs 13:2
|
A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth: but the soul of the transgressors shall eat violence.
|
Your speech can bring good to your life, or it can bring violence. God and good men love those who speak well, but they despise those who speak wickedly. Your mouth is not your own, no matter what your deceitful heart says (Ps 12:4; Jer 17:9). "Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof" (18:21).
The proverb has many figures of speech. Eating good is to have God's blessings and the praise of men. It is earned by the fruit of your mouth, which is gracious and wise speech. In opposite contrast are verbal transgressors, who speak harshly and foolishly. They will eat violence, for both God and men will punish them. What is the lesson? An easy way to grow in favor with God and men is to improve your speech (3:4; I Sam 2:26; Luke 2:52).
Your speech will bring either good or violence to your soul and your life (12:14; 13:3; 18:20). Good words earn the blessings and favor of God and good men (15:23; 22:11; 24:26), for good words prove a good heart (Matt 12:34-37; Jas 3:8-12). Evil speech incurs the wrath and judgment of God and men (18:6; 22:10; Ps 52:1-5; 140:11), for evil speech proves a contrary and wicked heart (Matt 12:34-37; Jas 3:8-12).
Consider seven kinds of speech. A godly man never spreads damaging reports about others, slanders them, or backbites. Charity and mercy are in his mouth (17:9; 31:26; Eccl 10:12). But a wicked man transgresses against others by backbiting, slander, talebearing, and whispering, all of which are hated by God and man (6:16-19; 10:18; 16:28; 25:23).
A noble man always respects authority, giving honor where honor is due; and a godly woman always reverences her husband, even calling him lord (Rom 13:7; Eph 5:33; I Pet 2:17; 3:6). But an evil man boldly criticizes rulers and rails on them, like a brute and ignorant beast, whom the Lord says should be destroyed (Jude 1:8-10; II Pet 2:10-12).
A virtuous man is grave and sober, realizing life is important; he only speaks to edify others, and he avoids any idle words (17:27; 29:11; Matt 12:36-37). But a wicked man chatters, talks foolishly and filthily, and jests; God ranks this kind of speech with fornication, and He is coming to destroy men because of it (10:10; 26:18-19; Eph 5:3-6).
A godly man is a peacemaker: he uses words to comfort and soothe; he uses soft answers to turn away wrath; he never scorns (15:1; 25:15; 31:26). But an evil man uses harsh and proud words that provoke anger; he reviles men with names; he sarcastically cuts with words; and such women are nagging wives (12:18; 21:19; 26:21; 27:15; Matt 5:21-22).
A righteous man loves the truth and always speaks the truth, no matter what the cost might be; he is a faithful witness in all matters; he does not exaggerate (12:17; 13:5; 14:5,25). But a wicked man has deceit in his heart and tongue; he is not afraid to falsely accuse or lie; and he will spend eternity in hell (6:16-19; 12:19; 19:5,9; Rev 21:8).
A virtuous man is thankful for everything, giving glory to God for all things; he knows he is not worthy of any blessings, so he rejoices in even small kindnesses (Eph 5:20; Col 3:17; I Thes 5:18). But an evil man complains, murmurs, and whines; he only sees the negative; and he loves to criticize (Num 11:1-35; Deut 28:47-48; Jude 1:15-16).
A godly man is humble, meek, and modest; he never praises himself, not even indirectly; he only boasts of the Lord, and he puts others first (25:27; 27:2; Ps 34:1-3; Phil 2:3-4). But a wicked man loves to talk about himself and commend himself; he will boast, and he will arrogantly put others down; he is proud in speech (8:13; 14:3; I Sam 2:3; Ps 10:3).
Bless yourself with goodness! Choose the good life! Stop evil talking: it is that simple (Ps 34:12-13)! Read it! Believe it! "For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile" (I Pet 3:10).
Fill your mouth with praise and thanksgiving (Ps 34:1). Speak often to others about the Lord: He will write you in His special book (Mal 3:16). Let your speech be always gracious and always edifying - building others up (Eph 4:29; Col 4:6). You will have a good life and save yourself from violent punishment!
www.letgodbetrue.com
