Daily Devotional
               Betty Miller shares her daily devotionals which are based on the book of Proverbs in the Bible.   

  The Wisdom of God

Verses for the Day:

Proverbs 17:26-28(KJV):
26 Also to punish the just is not good, nor to strike princes for equity.
27 He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit.
28 Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.

Proverbs 17:26-28(Amp):
26 Also to punish or fine the righteous is not good, nor to smite the noble for their uprightness.
27 He who has knowledge spares his words, and a man of understanding has a cool spirit.
28 Even a fool when he holds peace is considered wise; when he closes his lips he is esteemed a man of understanding.

Thoughts for the Day:

These verses in Proverbs continue to compare the actions of the righteous with the actions of the wicked. Verse 26 states that punishing the just and smiting noble people because of their uprightness is not a good thing. Throughout history those who have punished the righteous to make an example of them in some way, would usually find that it backfired, as the people would make  martyrs of them. Whatever cause they were punished or killed for, in the eyes of the people they became heroes.  Their followers were inspired to fight even stronger for their faith and/or goals. Those who die for their beliefs are honored by others who hold that same belief. 

Although at times, the book of Proverbs is repetitious, it is an excellent learning style, as repetition is a good teacher. Verses 27 and 28 stresses the value of holding one's tongue, as it does in many other places throughout the book. Many people's problems can be traced to foolish speech. In our society, we call it "mouthing off."  It is wise to keep one's mouth shut under certain circumstances.  A "loud mouth" will just stir up trouble. One can discern what is in a person's heart by what comes out of their mouth. Bragging and prideful words reveal a foolish heart, while the wise will speak edifying things.

Luke 6:45: "A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh."

Jude 1:16: "These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men's persons in admiration because of advantage."

The righteous are wise, in that they are not quick to speak, but rather, they ponder and think about how they should answer a person.  The wicked just allow all the evil that is in their heart to pour out of their mouth. If we are wise, we will stop and think before we say something.  People who just blurt out things invariably will cause damage with their mouths.

Those who are wise will say things that are good and right. When people harbor resentment and bitterness and speak harsh words, the Bible calls them fools. No one likes to be around those who have an ugly disposition and are continually voicing unpleasant things.  We must guard our hearts, and one way to do that is to watch what we say, as even our own words can bring a curse to our lives if we continue to speak negative and destructive things. 

Excellent and fine speech does not become a fool.  You can judge a man by what kind of speech is coming out of his mouth. A fool will not be speaking the Word of God, but will utter foolish things. A perverse mind and a foul mouth pave the way for mischief and many troubles.  However, even a fool is esteemed wise when he holds his mouth. We need the Holy Spirit to help us guard our minds and our mouths so that we speak edifying things that bless others.  As we do this, we shall be blessed. When a man uses his words wisely and sparingly he is known as a man of understanding with an excellent spirit.

Prayer for the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your many blessings.  As I face each new day Lord, may I do so with an expectation that You will prevail in my live and help me do Your will. Help me to guard my lips and speak things that are good and right.  Let me refrain my lips from all evil.   Lord, I want my tongue to be an instrument of righteousness in Your ears. Help me to keep my mouth shut when I need to do so, and help me to open it and speak when you are prompting me to do so.  Give me the Holy boldness to witness to others of Your love and grace, and to hold my peace when I should.  I ask this in the Holy name of Jesus.   Amen.