Proverbs 18:1-5 English Standard Version 18 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. A man who hears no opinion other than his own because he only cares about his own desires is foolish. Remember that the wise surround themselves with an abundance of counselors, including those they know will be honest with them and tell them what they don't want to hear. The fool lashes out against anyone who would offer unsolicited advice and wisdom. He only wants to hear his own words--though he probably would be okay with "yes men" that would let his words come out of their mouths.
A fool doesn't want to listen to others and learn anything. He only cares about making everyone else listen to him so that he can be heard and his opinion validated. People who have evil desires will act in contemptuous ways. They will dishonor and disgrace themselves and others (like their families and friends). The wicked love self so much that they don't stop to think about how their bad choices affect everyone else around them, and sometimes they desire to harm the reputation of the righteous around them. Our goal for our words should be for them to be like a fountain of bubbling, refreshing water in a dry, thirsty, arid place. Our words should bring comfort, healing, and be a source of life to everyone and everything around us. The words that come out of our moth are simply the overflow of what is in our hearts though, so God needs to change our hearts so that what comes out of our mouths is sweet, not bitter. Last, but not least, the LORD hates injustice and people--especially people who show partiality to the wicked or deprive the righteous of justice. There are times that we will error in judgment because we are human, however, there's a difference between that and putting our thumb on the scale with the intention of perverting justice. "He has shown thee, O man what is good and what the LORD requires of thee. But to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God." (Michah 6:8). The LORD requires that His people who are called by His name act justly. Comments are closed.
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Daniel WestfallI will mostly use this space for recording my "journal" from my daily devotions as I hope to encourage others to read the Bible along with me and to leave a legacy for others. Archives
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