Proverbs Chapter 18

1 Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom.
2 A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.
3 When the wicked cometh, then cometh also contempt, and with ignominy reproach.
4 The words of a man's mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook.
5 It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment.
6 A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes.
7 A fool's mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul.
8 The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.
9 He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.
10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.
11 The rich man's wealth is his strong city, and as an high wall in his own conceit.
12 Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility.
13 He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.
14 The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear?
15 The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.
16 A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.
17 He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him.
18 The lot causeth contentions to cease, and parteth between the mighty.
19 A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.
20 A man's belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled.
21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.
22 Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.
23 The poor useth entreaties; but the rich answereth roughly.
24 A man that hath friends must show himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.

Without question one of the most powerful statements about the tongue is found in Chapter 18 of the Book of Proverbs. Verse 21 says: "Death and life are in the power of the tongue:..." When Jesus spoke about the tongue he said that we will give account of every "idle word" that we speak in the day of judgement. (Matt. 12:36,37) There is so much hatred, lies, and slander today I wonder if the 'balance' of words spoken hastens the return of the Lord when it gets too negative. We need to be mindful to speak words of "life".

I must admit when I read each chapter I concentrate on the good parts, the positive parts. I then see if I am aligned with them and if I have put them in to practice. Then I look at the consequences. It's a good thing to 'examine' yourself in the light of the scripture. Don't compare yourself to others; that's not good. You can't see the heart nor know the gifts that God's placed within. When we yield to God verse 16 tells us that our "gift" will manifest and God will promote its place in the body of Christ for His purpose. You won't need to promote yourself. Your first praise song won't be sung in front of a congregation of 700; it will be sung to God in your den, family room, or prayer closet with your hands extended and tears running down your face. Then when you're 'promoted' to the platform in front of 700 people you'll be singing to God with your hands extended and tears running down your face. This is true of all the gifts.

I need to mention verse 10 before we go about our day. "The name of the Lord..." This could take a few pages but I'll just plant a few seeds. When Moses said to God, "who shall I say sent me?" The Lord replied "tell them I AM sent you". "I am what I am, and I will be who I will be." Jehovah: The Lord God IS ! In verse 10 He is a "strong tower". What do you need Him to be? The bible tells us to Call upon the name of the Lord... Do you need safety? Healing? Provision? Salvation? Shepherd?
It's in His Name.
Call upon Him in your den, family room, or prayer closet with your hands extended and tears running down your face...


See you tomorrow, Pastor Herb

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