 Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire;
he breaks out against all sound judgment. 2 A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion. 3 When wickedness comes, contempt comes also, and with dishonor comes disgrace. 4 The words of a man's mouth are deep waters; the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook. 5 It is not good to be partial to the wicked or to deprive the righteous of justice. 6 A fool's lips walk into a fight, and his mouth invites a beating. 7 A fool's mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to his soul. 8 The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels; they go down into the inner parts of the body. 9 Whoever is slack in his work is a brother to him who destroys. 10 The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe. 11 A rich man's wealth is his strong city, and like a high wall in his imagination. 12 Before destruction a man's heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor. 13 If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame. 14 A man's spirit will endure sickness, but a crushed spirit who can bear? 15 An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge. 16 A man's gift makes room for him and brings him before the great. 17 The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him. 18 The lot puts an end to quarrels and decides between powerful contenders. 19 A brother offended is more unyielding than a strong city, and quarreling is like the bars of a castle. 20 From the fruit of a man's mouth his stomach is satisfied; he is satisfied by the yield of his lips. 21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits. 22 He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord. 23 The poor use entreaties, but the rich answer roughly. 24 A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Meditation The gospel of Jesus frees believers to listen. Before our Creator, believers will benefit by closing our mouths and opening the ears of our hearts (Ecclesiastes 5:4). Before others, Christians will cultivate understanding when we are “quick to listen and slow to speak” (James 1:19). The steadfast love of Jesus frees disciples to care more about understanding than being understood, to seek knowledge rather than spewing it. Wisdom seeks to acquire knowledge by listening (15). The fool speaks before hearing (13) and takes no pleasure in understanding (2). Wisdom seeks advice (Proverbs 12:15), inclining ears towards understanding (Proverbs 2:2), to find security in council (11:14). Faith comes by hearing (Romans 10:17), awakening a heart through God’s grace. To listen carries the double meaning of both paying attention and obeying. A heart made alive by God’s grace will pay attention to God’s word and demonstrate a love for God by walking in God’s ways. God compels His people to listen to His loving voice (Isaiah 48) after diagnosing them with hard hearts and closed ears (Isaiah 6:9-10). Luke records Paul’s use of this diagnosis as applied to the early church (Acts 28:27), compelling followers of Christ to examine their hearts. May Jesus give us ears to hear. God’s mercy makes us awake to not only pay attention to the voice of our Good Shepherd but also follow Him (John 10:27). To grow in the skills of the art of godly living necessitates we listen to the loving voice of the Lord, applying His Divine design to all of life. Richly Dwelling -Do you work harder to be understood or to understand? What does this reveal about your heart? -Why is listening (rather than speaking) important to be wise, understanding, and knowledgeable when it comes to walking in wisdom? Is your life characterized by this answer? -Jesus is the word made flesh, God speaking His love through Christ’s life, death, and resurrection. God’s grace is our starting point to pay attention to His voice and obey, to walk in his ways. How can you listen more to His word? Where do you need to demonstrate wisdom through obedience? Key Verse 13 If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame… 15 An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge. Comments are closed.
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