The Tongue - Edition #23: Insults, Sin, and Reckless Words

April 30th, 2006

The Tongue – Edition #23: Insults, Sin, and Reckless Words

Proverbs 12:13-23
An evil man is trapped by his sinful talk, but a righteous man escapes trouble. From the fruit of his lips a man is filled with good things as surely as the work of his hands rewards him. The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice. A fool shows his annoyance at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult. A truthful witness gives honest testimony, but a false witness tells lies. Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment. There is deceit in the hearts of those who plot evil, but joy for those who promote peace. No harm befalls the righteous, but the wicked have their fill of trouble. The LORD detests lying lips, but he delights in men who are truthful. A prudent man keeps his knowledge to himself, but the heart of fools blurts out folly.

Prudent (adj.):

1. Wise in handling practical matters; exercising good judgment or common sense.


2. Careful in regard to one's own interests; provident.


3. Careful about one's conduct; circumspect.

It’s good to know that a lie only lasts but a moment. I went to Best Buy today after church… my heart yearned to reach out… but circumstance really got in the way. Oh my goodness, was it so hard to get the rig-a-ma-roo out of the way. But it was fun to even entertain the idea for just a little bit in my mind. There was this family looking at cameras while we were there, and I wanted to invite them, but my son desired attention at that moment. And then the opportunity was gone for the family was gone. I guess it is important to ask when the thought hits and not a second longer. I’ve had a quiet time every day this year, which is now 120 days in… this is actually just a two days short of 1/3 of the year into 2006… which is impressive to say the least. Last year (my best year on record), I had already missed 4 by this time. Well, my wife says I should be getting to bed, so by.