We demonstrate biblical wisdom by the quality of both our advice and our lives. Proverbs and Godly Living Skills--Part Thirteen describes the words that bless and material blessings of the wise.
Words are at times embracing arms and at others punching fists. They bob and weave between the languages of love and hate, honor and disrespect, and reward and punishment with equal ease. They can boost people to outstanding achievements or drive them to commit suicide.
The words of the wise lift rather than push down.
Their Words Bless Others
Long ago, my Bible study leader encouraged me to lead my own Bible study. He said that he believed I was filled with the Holy Spirit. I am not sure I was, but his encouragement made me want to be and to remember his words almost fifty years later.
The gentle words of wise, understanding people are a life-giving fountain and a tree of life (Proverbs 10:11, 13; 15:4). They save lives (Proverbs 12:6). They direct people through the fog of uncertainty.
A friend once gave me advice to navigate through a difficult decision I had to make. He told me to keep moving in the direction I was going before the fog surrounded me. That is what I did.
The wise use God’s word like a master painter a brush. They have mastered the solid food of God’s word and have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong (Hebrews 5:14).
They know that the light of God’s word dispels darkness. It births hope in the previously hopeless. It resurrects the spiritually dead to life (1 Peter 1:23) like God’s defibrillator paddles.
They share Jesus’ words with others. His words were like no other. He was filled with and grew in wisdom (Luke 2:40, 52). People who heard His teaching recognized that wisdom (Matthew 13:54). All the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are in Him (Colossians 2:3).
His wisdom was greater than Solomon’s (Matthew 12:42). He said that the wise listen to and follow His teaching and thereby build their lives on a solid foundation (Matthew 7:24). When God speaks, wise people listen and do what He says.
Like Jesus’ words, wise people’s words bless others (Proverbs 18:4). They don’t belittle them (Proverbs 11:12). What they say is good, helpful, and encouraging (Ephesians 4:29).
They bless by sharing God’s word with others and helping them apply it to their lives. The Holy Spirit supplies their wise advice (1 Corinthians 12:8). In fact, God gives wisdom to all who ask Him for it (James 1:5).
Wise people encourage many (Proverbs 10:21). They give good advice, saying the right thing at the right time (Proverbs 15:7, 23). Their words are like sterling silver and worth more than gold and rubies (Proverbs 10:20, 20:15) They are timely, helpful, healing, and wise (Proverbs 10:31–32, 12:18, 25:11). They satisfy others like a good meal (Proverbs 18:20).
They Experience Material Blessings
Wise people live a long, delightful, satisfying life (Proverbs 3:2, 16–17, 4:10). Of course, there are exceptions, but that is the rule.
They avoid foolish risks and life-shortening habits and addictions. They decide and act based on what is best for the long road, not what will maximize their comfort and pleasure today.
Their humility, the discipline necessary for right living, and their fear of the LORD help them maximize the length of their earthly lives (Proverbs 10:2, 27).
Because they follow and imitate Jesus, they experience the full, rich, meaningful life He promised (John 10:10). They find soul-deep contentment in loving and serving God and others and usually a measure of riches and honor the self-indulgent don’t enjoy (Proverbs 22:4, 26:1). #freechristiandiscipleshipresources #freeevangelismresources #freechristianleadershipresources
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