Welcome to a new year! This year, we begin with two themes. Monday’s will explore some of the wisdom sayings in Proverbs. Wednesdays begin with a look at worship. Fridays will remain our Rewind day, where we pull something from our archive.
A large portion of Proverbs is wise sayings. Short statements that proclaim a bit of wisdom. These are often two-sided. The wise, blessed, and prosperous are compared to the wicked, foolish. These sayings are not promises, but divine truth that leads to a predictable outcome. They are encapsulated wisdom. James reminds us, “Who among you is wise and understanding? By his good conduct he should show that his works are done in the gentleness that comes from wisdom.” (James 3:13, CSB)
We begin with a pair of proverbs that are linked with what they say about the wicked. “Blessings are on the head of the righteous, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.” (Proverbs 10:6, CSB) And, “The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.” (Proverbs 10:11, CSB)
In these two verses are three truths. Blessings are on the head of the righteous. Those who follow Jesus, live a life of integrity motivated by love, and choose righteous paths are blessed by God. His hand is on our lives. You may look at your circumstances and not feel blessed. God’s blessings are not always what we want, but they are what we need.
The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life. Think of it this way – God blesses us so we will bless others. We speak life, not death, into the situations, challenges, and people around us. As folks following Jesus, we are to “put away all the following: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and filthy language from your mouth.” (Colossians 3:8, CSB) That doesn’t mean we won’t offend others at times, but that should never be our aim. Instead, our words are to be salted with grace (Colossians 4:6).
The mouth of the wicked conceals violence. When considering violence, think of destruction, separation, belittling, and condemning others. The honeyed words of Satan in the garden (Genesis 3) were dripping with violence, seeking death and separation. Sin is always presented as a desirable gift. It promises something good or pleasing, but under the enticing wrapping paper is death and separation. Violence that separates us from God, from His blessing, from family and friends, and from peace and joy.
These two proverbs remind us of our blessing and purpose in Christ. We are blessed in uncountable ways, and we are to be a fountain of life (a blessing) for others.
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