Journal Prov 10 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)
Scripture: “The wise of heart will receive commandments, but a babbling fool will come to ruin.” Prov 10:8
Observation: On the surface, this seems so logical: Sure, wise will learn; babbling fool? What does that mean?
And if I think of it hard, how do I really receive commands, instructions, reproof, correction…?
Analysis: Proverbs 10 seems to be all about the mouth to me. What do I say, how do I say it, how’s my heart and head in the midst of all this, etc.…?
Proverbs is about wisdom, but thinking just about myself, I think it is about revealing how much of a fool I am, how much that wisdom doesn’t come easy, but must be pursued, and lastly, how much wisdom I attain (or not) is evidenced by the fruit of my lips (my speech).
What about this choice morsel? “When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.” (Prov 10:19) And this one from James, “If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue (deceiving his heart) this person’s religion (belief, faith, godliness) is worthless.” (James 1:26 (my annotations included for emphasis)).
If I am wise, pursuing wisdom, I will not only receive commandments, but I will also seek them out. If I am finding out I am coming to ruin, check out the fruit of my mouth among the other stuff. Do I babble, spew out nonsense, etc., basically talk about a lot of stuff but not many times talk of substantial things? I have to think about it.
I figure that I am not much of a conversationalist anymore. I pun, I joke around (taking care that my jokes are of the corny, “dad” joke style), staying away from hurtful teasing and dirty jokes. I am ok with that. I am also training myself to be “ready, in season and out, to talk (not necessarily preach) of the hope that is in me.
Hard to train that way. Takes effort but is worth it.
Prayer: Father, what is the Gospel? I am trying to make describing, defining, and identifying the Gospel become reflexive in me; asking questions, or being able to talk about the Gospel from Genesis to the Cross and through to your Return.
What I need to continue to do, to my last breath, is to restrain my lips, and control my tongue so that the fruit of my lips may honor my Savior all my days.
Amen
Ricky Two Shoes