Devotions: Foolish Words

 

A fool’s mouth is his ruin,
And his lips are the snare of his soul.

Proverbs 18:7 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

 

In Proverbs, the fool more often refers to a person who is arrogant and rebellious than to one who is simple minded. Those who think they know everything, or don’t care about what is right, will not hold their tongues. They want to show how smart they are. Their words lead to their destruction however. The fool talks when he shouldn’t, shares what should be concealed and praises what is not good. His words reveal what is in his heart, pride and irreverence for God. The problem is that he doesn’t realize the danger. Because he sees himself as being better, smarter and above everyone else, he believes he is beyond reproach. He can’t fathom the idea that he could think or say anything wrong. He delights in hearing himself talk which only encourages himself to talk more, feeding his pride. That is why his lips are the snare of his soul. He believes what he says about himself in an ever deepening spiral downwards into pride and rebellion. The more he talks the more arrogant and rebellious he becomes while believing himself to become better because he tickles his own ears. The words we say have a lasting impact that cannot be undone. We need to take careful thought before we speak. We also need to examine our hearts to be sure that we are truly wise and not the fool. We need to ask God to examine us and be willing to see the truth about ourselves that we don’t like. Examine yourself. Ask God to examine you and convict your heart. Ask Him to renew your heart and make you humble.

 

 

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