Read
18You can hide your hatred
by telling lies,
but you are a fool
to spread lies.
19You will say the wrong thing
if you talk too much—
so be sensible and watch
what you say.
20The words of a good person
are like pure silver,
but the thoughts
of an evil person
are almost worthless.
21Many are helped
by useful instruction,
but fools are killed
by their own stupidity.
15Sensible words are better
than gold or jewels.
Reflect
How many times have we watched our favourite sports team almost win the game of the season only to be defeated by…themselves? Critical mistakes, foolish moves, perhaps over confidence caused the whole winning strategy to recoil against themselves regardless of their opponent’s skill. The same holds true in our lives. Often we are our own worst enemy.
King Solomon makes this point loud and clear in these few verses. Much of our undoing in life is not because of forces beyond our control. It’s because of ourselves. If we do stupid things we can expect unpleasant consequences. We can try to hide our weaknesses and fake our way through life but sooner or later we will be exposed. Our deception creates a larger web that we can’t escape.
The wise king advises us to simply be truthful. People like a straight shooter even if it’s painful to hear. Honest words are extremely valuable and if heeded, bring success. Masked words or outright lies are worthless.
Respond
Dear Lord, You know me better than anyone else. You are my shield and my defender. If I follow you I cannot lose. Please show me those areas of self-deception in my life. Show me the insecurities I try to hide. Show me my faults that I am blind too. I want my words to be more precious than gold or jewels. Please help me in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Ted Seres
Ted Seres received his B.A. in Political Science at McMaster University in Hamilton. He earned an M. Div at the Lutheran Theological Seminary, Saskatoon. He is married to Susan and has two sons: Trenton and Brett. Ted is an ordained minister with the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada. He has been involved in pastoral ministry including church planting.