Sunday, July 18, 1999 This Week's Lesson:
In this week's lesson, which came from Proverbs 11:9-13, we studied about some differences between the righteous and unrighteous. Throughout the Book of Proverbs, Solomon has handed out many tidbits of wisdom, but he has especially done so in this eleventh chapter. In the opening verses of the chapter, he warned about using a false balance, about being too prideful, and about not being a person of integrity. He also spoke about the hopes and expectations of good and bad people. In this particular passage, he has presented a comparison and contrast between how the righteous and unrighteous use their tongue. In verse nine, he used the word hypocrite and said that the hypocrite often destroys others with his or her tongue. Hypocrite comes from the Hebrew word that means hypocritical, godless profane, irreligious, or to be polluted. Solomon said that we must guard our tongue if we do not want to be as the hypocrite. James 3:5-6 says, "Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell."
In the second part of verse nine, Solomon encouraged his readers to seek godly wisdom and understanding. Knowledge comes from the Hebrew word meaning discernment, understanding, or wisdom. Righteous comes from the Hebrew word that means right, correct, lawful, or righteous as in being justified and vindicated by God. The just are not merely delivered because they are just. The real teaching is that those who are just will want to live right. They will seek the Lord and gain godly wisdom and understanding. Then, one of the byproducts of that wisdom and understanding is a life that is largely free of the troubles and problems that befall the wicked. The just, through wisdom and understanding, are delivered from troubles, anxieties, and ultimately from death, plus the Lord will also bless them. In Proverbs 11:10-11, Solomon wrote that the people rejoice when a righteous person is in power. This is because a person, who is trying to live right before the Lord, will also be trying to do right by others. Such a person is a natural leader, and he or she brings joy and peace to those who are following them. No one is sad when a wicked dictator is overthrown. Solomon wrote that there are even shouts of joy when the wicked perish. Meanwhile, the words and expressions of the righteous bless those who are able to hear.
In the closing part of this passage, Solomon wrote about the importance of being trustworthy. Being just and righteous is consistent with guarding your tongue. Many times, controlling our tongue means not saying harsh things to others. Many times, it means to not betray the trust of others. When we possess godly understanding, the Holy Spirit will teach us what things to say and to not say. Talebearer comes from the Hebrew word that means to slander or inform. As Christians, we should not be busybodies or have big mouths. Instead, we should be persons upon whom others can depend. Therefore, as you go through the coming week, seek the Lord first with all your heart and in all area of your life and do your best to be the person He would have you be.
Tom of Spotswood"He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life." (I John 5:12)
"And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:13)
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