The Proverbs :: A Guidebook for Menনমুনা

Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.”

What a joke.

Words matter.

Since the beginning, they have been the tools by which the Great Designer sculpted the Universe and the mechanism by which the deceiver divided creation from Creator. Throughout human history, words have cemented promises of peace and cast entire nations into conflict. It is our words that remain long after we are dust, echoing in the promise and pain we leave behind.

Words matter.

As our tenth set of Proverbs pivots away from the history of Wisdom herself, its focus settles securely on the personal responsibility we carry daily. After all, what use is it to gain wisdom but hide it from our actions?

Sixteen times in the NIV translation of Proverbs 10, the writer drives the point home, and he will continue to do so for the remainder of the book, explicitly stating in Proverbs 18:

“The Tongue has the power of life and death…”

Think back on your own life. Go as far back or as recently as you want. How many times has the impetus of either a personal celebration or disappointment been the words of another? How often was it something you chose to say that you wish you hadn’t? Examine the conflict in your family or at work. How did words play a part in defusing the situation or blowing it up to an unmanageable state?

The truth is found repeatedly in the text of Proverbs 10: You can bring honor or ruin to yourself and the people around you through your words.

Perhaps this feels too much, that if you have that kind of power in your mouth, there is far too great a responsibility on you—one you could never hold up. If that thought has occurred to you, you are both correct and fortunate, for there is good news. Look at how Proverbs 10 ends with a promise.

“From the mouth of righteous comes the fruit of wisdom…”

That word “comes” נוּב can translate to “bringeth forth” – literally, “germinates” as like a plant. You have spent the last nine days asking God for the wisdom to live a life that honors Him, wisdom that He says He will freely give to you. You are investing in a God-fearing life, which brings change to every part of your life, including your words. Thank God for His wisdom today, for His gift. Begin to be patient and particular with your language, inviting the Holy One into even the smallest of comments, and watch how you and the world around you begin to flourish with new life.

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God, bless my words today. Help me build others up and not tear them down as I speak. You gave me great power, and I want to honor you with it. Thank You for Your Word that stands infallible. I pray that I will know Your Word and that it will flow as I engage others. Thank You for the honor it is to be Your child. Amen.