Thoughts on the topic of speech from the book of wisdom

This will be my second post on the topic of speech from the book of proverbs. Proverbs has much to say on the topic and due to the shear number of verses available on this topic, will provide ate a number of posts related to it

Speech

How does speech relate to prosperity, life and peace? Much in every way, and Solomon, ever the graphic storyteller, has some word pictures that are meant to stick in the mind, somewhat like an ear-worm – that constant tune you can’t get out of your head. Solomon wants to provide us mind worms, pictures in our mind that need to rise to our thoughts as we walk through our lives.

In our discussion this morning, we are going to consider self harm, integrity and loose words. To be specific, lets talk on the topic of self harm in relation to our speech. This is a condition prevalent amongst the human race, a condition that is prevalent in my own life, for as I continue babbling and going on and on with those I come in contact with, I tend to make statements or promises that bind my life to conditions that are not based in the wisdom of God.

Oh, my intentions may be good, and of course, I want everyone to like me. That desire should be an alarm for those like minded! I just want to be nice to those I meet, and try to make everyone happy. Again, to be nice is not a command for believers in the Lord. Consider a short post (Love Like Jesus – Kindness) from a few years ago discussing the difference between kindness and niceness.

So when I come up to Proverbs 6:2, I can identify with the trouble I cause myself. My tongue gets me in trouble!

Proverbs 6:2 – if you are snared in the words of your mouth,
caught in the words of your mouth,

So let us set a foundation for this problem of the self snaring of believers. For those who say and do not do, there is no snare. No obligation, no requirement to keep your word. Easy peasy no trouble.

But for the believer, our word is to mean something. He or she is to follow through with his or her words. The psalmist speaks of this in the 15th psalm, a verse that captures this very thought.

Psalm 15:4 in whose eyes a vile person is despised, but who honors those who fear the LORD; who swears to his own hurt and does not change;

Did you get that last clause. He swears to his own hurt. What he says, though it may cost him, will be performed.

James 5:12 But above all, my brothers, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or by any other oath, but let your “yes” be yes and your “no” be no, so that you may not fall under condemnation.

If I agree to something, it should be considered as accomplished, that it is simply a matter of time for the word given to be realized in actions. Friends, acquaintances and those who may struggle with our faith should all have confidence that our word is enough.

So this is where the snare comes in.

Flippant promises, not thought out, or without prayerful consideration, are still promises. We are to be a faithful people, not only to God, but to those who are amongst us, by which we are faithful to God. If we break a promise to a friend or enemy, it is as if we break our word to God.

So what about a fella like myself who in my occasional foolish talk, or in my mistaken judgement, may slip out a statement that is taken as a commitment on my part.

This is the snare that I think Solomon is addressing.

Solomon wants us to retain our integrity, and at the moment we find ourselves ensnared by our own words, we are to ignore the issue, avoid those we may have committed to and sing a song of praise to our forgiving Father.

No – Solomon says to save yourself, plead with your neighbor and seek resolution with your friend. Do not let your word become anything less than trustworthy, and go to any length to maintain relationship with those who are involved.

Jesus taught on the importance of maintaining relationship, raising it over the importance of worship!

Matthew 5:23-25

So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you,
leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are going with him to court, lest your accuser hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you be put in prison.

It appears Jesus was considering some type of obligation to the brother that had not been satisfied. Somewhat reminiscent of Proverbs 6, wouldn’t you say?

Our word is to be as strong as a contract. Similar to an oath, or a promise, but without the fanfare.

Giving my word flippantly, or without thought as to it’s implications to my neighbor may put me in a very disadvantageous situation.

If we find ourselves in this situation, we have two options.

First, find a resolution with those who heard the word. Find a solution early! Restore relationship, and avoid all unnecessary offence. Find a solution that is satisfying to all.

The second option?

Just do as you say. Get on with it and be faithful!

Proverbs 21:23 Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.

Follow Considering the Bible on WordPress.com

Thanks again for coming to visit. I hope you found something of interest in this post and would appreciate a comment, to begin a discussion.