Photo by Nick-Fewings on Unsplash
The wisdom books of Solomon struck me this week. Before I go there, though, let me give you a reason why they caught my attention.
The Lord is teaching me to live a deeper life of surrender and training me to think differently. By that, I mean on a spiritual level rather than a natural (or carnal) one.
While on this journey, I found a saying I used to follow.
The problem with communication is that we do not listen to understand; we listen to respond.
One result of this journey is my increased awareness of how people talk. I have noticed how ugly news headlines have become. In those stories, I have seen how mean and hurtful people are towards those who do not agree with them or their views.
The Proverbs of Solomon, David’s son, and Israel’s king.
“Kind words heal and help; cutting words wound and maim.
Moral dropouts won’t listen to their elders; welcoming correction is a mark of good sense.
The lives of God-loyal people flourish; a misspent life is soon bankrupt.
Perceptive words spread knowledge; fools are hollow – there’s nothing to them.”
Proverbs 15:4-7 The Message
Words
Heal and help–when they are kind.
Wound and main–when they are sharp and cutting.
Spread knowledgewhen they are given with insight and understanding
“Words satisfy the mind as much as fruit does the stomach; good talk is as gratifying as a good harvest.
Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit – you choose.”
Proverbs 18:20-21 The Message
Satisfy the mind like fruit does the stomach.
Kill like poison.
Give life-like fruit.
Words are essential to life, which means we must carefully choose them when we speak.
Listening
Moral dropouts won’t listen to their elders.
This is strong language, but consider the picture it paints. What do you think a “moral dropout” is?
For me, a moral dropout is one who refuses to listen to anyone who disagrees with or disapproves of them or their way of life. Solomon clarifies there is a right and wrong way to speak, but a moral dropout will not listen to anyone who disagrees with them.
(This may be harsh, but it sounds like a lot of the people in the news)
Welcoming correction is a mark of good sense.
On the other hand, listening to correction (welcoming it) shows a willingness to learn, which is “a mark of good sense.”
The lives of God-loyal people flourish; a misspent life is soon bankrupt.
As darkness grows over the earth, Christ-followers must be excellent listeners and wise speakers.
There is coming a time when darkness will be so thick that even a small light will draw attention. The life of a Christ-follower is that light, and the words they speak have life and death weight.
This is why a close personal relationship with the Godhead (God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit) is essential.
Lost and dying humanity will see the light you give off through your righteous life, and it will draw them to you. Your words and how you give them will be vital to them.
It will not be enough to give them a religious, “I’ll be praying for you” (though you might) or “God will make a way” (though he will). At that moment, your words must be as satisfying to their mind as a piece of fruit is to their stomach.
Humanity is living in an excitingly scary time, and Christ-followers must step up to the plate in preparation.
The call of the Spirit is going out across the land for light bearers and (wisdom-speaking) truth givers to bring the words of life to a lost and dying world—one person at a time.
Will you join me?
The journey is exciting and scary, and I am thankful for everyone who is willing to accompany me on it.
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