Can we be wise without being truthful? Steven Ussery said, “Nope. True wisdom includes the fact that honesty is, after all, the best policy. And to be dishonest is, in fact, the same thing as to be unwise. The above was obvious to Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. They were right about that of course.”1 The book of Proverbs agrees.
Truth is an endangered species. Elected officials often lie to make themselves look better. Do voters care? A study found that when politicians’ supporters were shown many more lies than true statements, they felt only slightly more negative towards the politicians they supported.2 From the perspective of Proverbs, that is foolishness excusing foolishness.
Lying politicians aren’t biblically wise. Neither are many of their supporters. Proverbs divides people into two groups—the wise and the foolish. Perhaps that partially explains the present political quagmire in the USA and other democracies. When fools elect fools to fix their problems, good things rarely happen.
Wisdom in Proverbs--Part Four looks at four characteristics of wise people. They are truthful, they guard their heart, their speech is godly, and they are sexually pure. Each of these characteristics reflects Jesus.
They Are Truthful
Wise people pursue truth (Proverbs 23:23). They tell the truth and are wholesome (Proverbs 6:12, 8:7–8, 14:25). They are faithful and honest witnesses (Proverbs 19:28), not false witnesses or liars (Proverbs 19:9).
They don’t lie to or about others (Proverbs 25:18. 26:28). They don’t flatter friends or others (Proverbs 26:28, 29:5). They speak what is right (Proverbs 23:16). Their truthfulness reflects Jesus.
Repeatedly in the gospels, Jesus said, “I tell you the truth” (Matthew 5:18; 6:2, 5, 16, 8:10; 10:15, etc. NLT). Some Pharisees acknowledged that He taught the way of God truthfully (Matthew 22:16). He spoke the truth which He heard from God (John 8:40). He claimed, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6 NLT).
They Guard Their Heart
Wise people avoid toxic chemicals such as lead, mercury, asbestos, formaldehyde, and PCBs. They don’t smoke, vape, or drink alcohol to excess. They drink enough water, they eat healthy food, and they get enough exercise and sleep. They take care of their body.
Just as importantly, they guard their heart because it determines the course of their life (Proverbs 4:23). Our heart is our thinking, speaking, feeling, and deciding center. Our thoughts map the course of our life. We reap what our thoughts sow. They shape our words, feelings, and actions. A healthy heart produces thoughts that bear abiding spiritual fruit (Luke 6:45).
An unhealthy heart pumps out “evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, lustful desires, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness. All these vile things come from within; they are what defile you” (Mark 7:21–23 NLT).
Jesus said, “A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. What you say flows from what is in your heart” (Luke 6:45 NLT). That is why the wise double-check thoughts at the door before releasing them.
Their Speech is Godly
One of the best ways to get to know someone is to listen to their conversations. Do their words lift others or put them down? Are they more about getting or giving? Wise people avoid perverse talk and corrupt speech (4:24).
“The crowds of people remarked concerning Jesus: “What authority and power this man’s words possess” (Luke 4:36 NLT)! Concerning Jesus, John the Baptist said, “For he is sent by God. He speaks God’s words, for God gives him the Spirit without limit” (John 3:34 NLT). Jesus’ words are “spirit and life” (John 6:63 NLT).
They Are Sexually Pure
Wise people have sex with their spouse only and not with strangers (5:16-17) or anyone else (6:24-35; 7:1-27). They avoid sexually immoral people (23:27-28).
Jesus was sexually pure. He challenged His enemies: “Which of you can truthfully accuse me of sin” (John 8:46 NLT)? No one did or could.
Godly wisdom is more than applied knowledge. It embraces knowledge, relationships, attitudes, and more—all of life. Godly wisdom is audible and visible. We can hear and watch it in action. #freechristiandiscipleshipresources #freeevangelismresources #freechristianleadershipresources
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