AN UNUSUAL INFLUENCE
PROVERBS 13:2-3
PROVERBS 13:2-3 NKJ
2 A man shall eat well by the fruit of his mouth,
But the soul of the unfaithful feeds on violence.
3 He who guards his mouth preserves his life,
But he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction.
OBSERVATION:
This is a fascinating scripture that gives us insight into inner health.
The book of Proverbs says way too much about our words for us to ignore these admonitions. Any theme the Bible repeats must be given priority. ‘Words’ is an often repeated theme.
In the Proverbs, we see mouth, tongue, lips, and words, but this is not speaking of anything physical. These are all referring to what we say.
In our modern culture, our words are not given the spiritual significance they deserve. Just sayin is a phrase that implies that words are mere words.
But the Bible adopts a completely different viewpoint.
In these two verses for today, our words are shown to impact our well-being. They produce, and they protect our lives.
We eat well by the fruit of our mouth. Our words can actually impact the abundance we have. Eating well in ancient culture was much more of a thing than we typically see in America. But even in our land of plenty, many go without adequate food. Our words can impact this area.
Words are containers. They can hold faith or fear, thanksgiving or complaint. They can be full of life, hope, and blessing. Or they can communicate despair, darkness, and poverty. And according to the scriptures, what we say matters.
Words can also speak of God's protection and help. Guarding our words can be a big factor in our preservation.
APPLICATION:
The big takeaway from today's verses is the importance of selecting our words intentionally. Do not speak what you do not want to see in your life. Do speak of what you do want. If your words are seeds, what are you planting?
And remember, spiritual truth is not always in your face obvious. But spiritual truth can be an in your life (real?). Learn to let God's words become the template for your words. Your words produce and protect. They are an unusual but powerful influence.
PRAYER:
Lord, may the words of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart be acceptable in your sight.