Proverbs 16:20–21: He who heeds the word wisely will find good, and whoever trusts in the Lord, happy is he. The wise in heart will be called prudent, and sweetness of the lips increases learning.
Insight
When wisdom possesses the reins the behavior will be discreet, and kindly lips will manifest a lowly heart and willingness to be instructed. This is true understanding; which, like a spring of living water, dwells in the possessor of it, and flows forth to bless others. It is the condition of the heart that is of prime importance. If all be right there, the words of the lips will accord therewith; so that in place of the speculative vaporings of the worldly advice there will be the counsel of the wise, who knows how to give forth what is profitable as well as pleasant and cheering. 1
Application
Consider James 3:17 “But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.”
Examine your life. Are you living a life of purity? Are you peaceable? Are you gentle? Are you willing to yield? Are you full of mercy? Is there good fruits in your life? Do you live without compromise? Are your lips filled with His sweetness?
Motivation
So all bore witness to Him, and marveled at the gracious words which proceeded out of His mouth. And they said, “Is this not Joseph’s son?” Luke 4:22
Those who speak graciously have usually learned how to live wisely. – TWEET IT
Prayer
Father, please teach me more about the wisdom that is from above.
1. Ironside, H. A. (1908). Notes on the Book of Proverbs. Neptune, NJ: Loizeaux Bros.
