The Mouth of Wisdom

For Monday, July 4, 2004
Proverbs 10:31

The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom,
but the perverse tongue will be cut off.

The mouth is like a tree. The mouth of the righteous is like a strong, healthy tree: it bears (brings forth) good fruit (wisdom). But like a fruit tree which bears sickly fruit or is barren, the tongue of the perverse (those who twist what is true and good) will be cut off.

Those who twist the truth (perjury, false witness, lying, deceit) may be cut off through the justice system. Others may find themselves cut off socially, as they prove themselves untrustworthy and mean. This is especially true of those who twist what is good through gossip and jokes. And then, there are many who will be made famous and popular through their perverse speech as they ridicule biblical truth and goodness. But God will not be mocked and justice will be carried out whether on earth or at Christ's return.

Meanwhile, bear the good fruit of wisdom. Cultivate wisdom so that you may bless others through wise counsel. Make it a matter of great concern how you speak and what you say to others. Today, you will either bless or disconcert others by what comes out of your mouth. How do you cultivate wisdom? Begin now by praying daily for wisdom and that God will direct your tongue. Study Scripture and especially study Christ, who is Wisdom personified.