Spreading Knowledge

For Wednesday, January 25, 2006
Proverbs 15:7

The lips of the wise spread knowledge;
not so the hearts of fools.

The wise spread knowledge that is useful, that makes one wiser, that is good. Fools spread information that is false or perverted or that harms. Fools often think they are spreading knowledge, not realizing that they are revealing their foolishness. They like to hear themselves talk and think others like listening to them. The wise speak only as necessary, weighing their words so as to speak appropriately and to meet their proper intention.

What knowledge will you spread today? Will you be quick to gossip, to pass on hearsay or hurtful words? Or will you weigh your words, being sure that what you speak is the truth and that it is good to say? Christians make mistakes often, thinking that we are being good witnesses for the gospel, the supreme knowledge to pass on. We spread tracts that are poorly written and stereotype unbelievers, causing unnecessary offense. We will speak judgmentally or arrogantly, quick to engage in debate so as to score points. We are zealous with the gospel, unaware of how our presentation actually affects others.

The apostle Paul - the great evangelist - had this instruction to give in spreading the gospel: Conduct yourselves wisely toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person (Colossians 4:5-6).