Wise Words on Wise Speech
10: 27-32
A proverb is a short and memorable saying designed to be our blueprint for living in the world that ADONAI has created. It is important to note that proverbs are not promises; they are generally true principles, all other things being equal.
The fear of ADONAI is at the heart of wisdom according to 1:7 (also see 14:26-27, 15:16 and 33, 16:6, 19:23, and 22:4). So again, this proverb contrasts the fate of the wise, who are righteous, with that of the foolish, who are wicked. One who fears ADONAI will act in a way that conforms to His will. Later Yeshua would say: If you love Me, you will keep My commands (John 14:15). But those who do not (the wicked) will ignore His commands. Everything being equal, living in a way that conforms to God’s will adds length to life. After all, such a one lives in conformity with the way YHVH set up the world at creation. To take one example, the mitzvah and wisdom of Proverbs insist that it is Ha’Shem’s desire that sex be enjoyed within the commitment of marriage. The rebels who ignore this command bring great danger upon their lives, whether from sexually transmitted diseases (known in antiquity) or from the revenge of the other woman’s husband (6:30-35). Though not specified by this proverb, it is possible that the years of the wicked are cut short by Ha’Shem Himself, either through human means or divine intervention (10:27 CJB). The purpose of this proverb is to motivate people toward fear of ADONAI. But since all things are not always equal, sometimes the righteous of the TaNaKh die young.
Both the righteous and the wicked have hope for the future, but when the future comes, the wicked’s hope is dashed, while the righteous experience joy. The hope of the righteous brings joy, but the expectation of the wicked comes to nothing (10:28 NIV). This may be seen as a general statement, with the previous verse serving as an illustration. Proverbs are not promises; they are generally true principles, all other things being equal. Both the righteous and the wicked hope for long lives, but the years of the wicked can be cut short, thus, their hope is destroyed. On the other hand, the days of those who fear ADONAI, who are righteous, are lengthened, and therefore their hope leads to happiness. Again, the purpose of the book of Proverbs is to motivate toward righteousness and away from wicked actions. We see a similar idea in 10:24.
The path of ADONAI is a stronghold to the upright, but destruction awaits those who do evil (10:29 Hebrew). This proverb picks up on the path metaphor that is frequently encountered in Chapters 1-9. Typically, there is a contrast drawn between two paths: the straight and narrow path, provided by ADONAI, leads to life; and the other, a wide and crooked path, leads to death (see The Life of Christ Dw – The Narrow and Wide Gates). Reading this proverb in light of the previous descriptions of the path, we would have to say that the reason the path of ADONAI is a ruin for those who do evil is that they avoid it by choice. On the other hand, the upright used here is another term to refer to the godly wise, who find that they are protected, presumably from life’s problems, including those perpetrated by doers of evil (Psalm 27 ).
This is the fourth and last proverb in a row that contemplates the fate of the righteous of the TaNaKh and the wicked. The righteous will never be moved, but the wicked will not remain in the Land (10:30 CJB). Here we have the question of relative stability. While the righteous will never be moved, or shaken, the wicked will be expelled from the Land. When one is shaken, it is the result of great trouble. Therefore, the wicked will live lives of great instability. In particular, they will not be allowed to grow roots in the Promised Land. We have seen this threat leveled against the wicked already in 2:21-22 (also see 10:25). This proverb draws a relatively rare explicit connection between proverbial wisdom and land theology. The principle behind this proverb is developed further in the Psalms (see Psalms Bq – Delight Yourself in ADONAI).
Here we have a contrast drawn between the wise and the foolish (here called the corrupt tongue, which we also see in 2:12 and 14). The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, but the corrupt tongue will be cut off (10:31 CJB). The focus is on their respective speech, here represented by the mouth and the tongue (paired also in 15:2, 21:23, 26:28, and 31:26). The righteous are praised because their speech is wise and thus has the effect of wisdom in general . . . promoting life and avoiding death. However, the corrupt tongue meets its appropriate fate when it is cut off (Psalm 12:3).237 The term cut off means to be severely separated from the community and God’s covenant, which could involve physical death, loss of inheritance, or excommunication. Being cut off from Isra’el is a recurring theme in the TaNaKh, appearing as a divine sanction against those who are unfaithful to God.238
The lips of the righteous find favor, but the mouth of the wicked only knows deceit (10:32 Hebrew). Solomon had a lot to say about what we say. In fact, tongue, mouth, lips, and words occur almost 150 times in Proverbs. On average, a reference to speech appears five times in each of the thirty-one chapters. A key statement on the subject appears in Proverbs 15:2: The tongue of the wise makes knowledge appealing, but the mouth of a fool only belches out foolishness. Again, the wise is contrasted to the foolish. Interestingly, both types of people reveal themselves to others by how they use their tongue/mouth. But you and I realize that the root problem is not the mouth, but the heart. The lips of the wise spread good advice, but the heart of a fool has none to give (15:7 Hebrew). Yeshua would later expound on Solomon’s words when He taught: The good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth what is good; and the evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil; for his mouth speaks from that which fills his heart (Luke 6:45). Just as a bucket draws water from a well, so the tongue dips down and draws up whatever fills the heart. If the source is clean, that is what the tongue communicates. If it is contaminated, the tongue will expose it.
All of us, at some time or another, struggled to keep our tongue under control. Because we are fallen, selfish creatures, we naturally use words to serve our own interests – often at the expense of others. And, of course, all of us have suffered the cuts of another’s verbal barbs. In his book of Proverbs, Charles Swindoll relates four unhealthy ways an uncontrolled tongue reveals a depraved heart. We all need to pay attention to them.
1. Deceitful flattery: Food obtained by fraud may taste good, but later the mouth is full of gravel (20:17). In the end, people appreciate honest criticism far more than flattery (28:23).
What is flattery? Nothing more than insincere compliments spoken with deceitful motives. It is excessive praise verbalized in hopes of gaining favor in the eyes of another. The difference between affirmation and flattery is motive. If we hope to say something to another that will ultimately benefit ourselves, it’s flattery. If we speak for the ultimate benefit of the hearer, we either affirm or rebuke, whichever the situation demands.
2. Gossip and slander: A worthless person, a wicked man, goes about spewing crooked speech. Signaling their deceit with a wink of an eye, a nudge of the foot, or the wiggle of their fingers. Their perverted hearts plot evil, and they constantly stir up trouble (6:12-14). A fool’s mouth is his ruin; his lips are the snare of his soul. Rumors are choice morsels that sink deep into one’s heart (18:7-8).
Who hasn’t been hurt by the wagging tongue of a gossip? By gossip, I mean any talking that causes people to divide into camps. Usually this speech reduces someone in the estimation of the hearer. Gossip almost always conveys false or exaggerated information maliciously. Throughout Scripture, ADONAI reserves some of His harshest remarks for gossip. He hates this sin. When you receive information that could defame or harm another, consider these questions and responses:
Does this information involve you or affect you directly?
If not, let the chain of gossip end with you.
If so, discuss the matter only with the people directly involved.
What is the motive of the person who conveyed this information?
If it is not love, either rebuke that individual or remove yourself from the conversation. If the motive is misguided love, offer to facilitate a constructive
discussion between the gossip and the victim.
Above are two kinds of destructive speech that use ulterior motives. When we flatter someone, we deceive that person in order to gain an advantage for ourselves. When we gossip, we lower people in the eyes of others. Both involve deception. Now, let’s consider destructive confrontation. While it is direct and open, unlike the cowardly ways of flattery and gossip, the effect is nonetheless harmful.
3. Arguments, striving, and angry words: Take the time now and read Proverbs 14:16-17, 15:4, 17:14, 18:6, 25:15, and 29:11. You will also profit from a careful examination of the following: Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered, or you will learn to be like them and endanger your soul (22:24-25). By arguments and striving I don’t mean expressions of differing opinions or even constructive confrontation. Intelligent thinking and unguarded, open conversation must leave room for everyone to express themselves freely and without fear. Naturally this will lead to occasional differences of opinion. Arguments and striving, however, have to do with negative attitudes such as stubbornness and rigidity. This person responds to virtually every negative experience with venom because he or she remains angry with everyone about everything. Because anger begets anger, and strife follows this person like a dark cloud. Solomon warns us that this kind of anger can be a learned trait. Associate with a habitually angry person and you will soon become like him or her.
That said, we must recognize anger as a natural, healthy response when someone harms or offends us. Nowhere does ADONAI condemn anger as a sin in itself. He warns us that unresolved anger can lead to transgression: An angry person starts fights; a hot-tempered person commits all kinds of sin (29:22), and may give the Adversary an opportunity to destroy relationships. Be angry, but don’t sin; do not let the sun go down before you have dealt with the cause of your anger (Ephesians 4:26-27). Therefore, God urges us to candidly confront our offenders in order to resolve the issue face-to-face. If that person apologizes, you have won them over (see the commentary on The Life of Christ Gi – If a Brother or Sisters Sins, Go and Point Out Their Fault).
4. Boasting: One who promises a gift but doesn’t deliver is like clouds and wind that bring no rain (25:14). There is more hope for fools than for people who think they are wise (26:12). Don’t boast about tomorrow, for you don’t know what the day may bring. Let someone else praise you, not your own mouth, a stranger and not your own lips (27:2).
Boasting most often occurs when we speak too highly of ourselves or our own achievements, but it’s actually possible to boast without saying a single word. Some luxury cars are marketed as status symbols, as are some upscale neighborhoods and certain brands of clothing. ADONAI has nothing against people acquiring nice things if the purpose is to enjoy their use. But when someone buys them to advertise personal success, that person has become guilty of boasting.
Boasting is really a symptom of a much deeper problem known as pride, a condition of the heart that craves attention and loves to take center stage. Our Lord hates pride and considers our personal self-exaltation a personal affront. In fact, He places haughty eyes, that is, a superior attitude, at the head of a list of what He hates, a list that includes lying, murder, rebellion, and slander (see Bf – What God Hates). As the proverb warns us: Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall (16:18 NIV). Beware of boasting, both our own boasting and the boasting of those around you. Even if you’re not headed for a fall yourself, be careful that someone else’s pride doesn’t take you down with them.239
Dear heavenly Father, praise You for Yeshua, Your Word, the Light and life of the world (John 1:1 and 4-5). Words are important. Words reveal what is in the heart. God promises to live in the hearts of those who love him. Yeshua answered and said to him: If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word. My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our dwelling with him (John 14:23). Holy Father God, You are always pure and spotless and cannot tolerate any sin, so it is important to be careful about the words we use. I want the words that come out of the mouth to encourage others, reflecting the wisdom and love of God. In Yeshua Messiah’s holy Name and power of His resurrection. Amen
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