The heart of the wise instructs his mouth
And adds persuasiveness to his lips.
Proverbs 16:23 New
American Standard Bible (NASB)
Remember that in Hebrew
culture, the “heart” more often referred to the mind, thoughts, decision making
than to emotions or feelings. This verse mirrors other verses in the Bible
(specifically quotes by Jesus) that talk about how our words are the product of
what is in our hearts. If we look at other verses about the wise in Proverbs,
we find that the wise hold their tongues, do not speak in anger, speak gently
and softly, and think about how to answer before
they speak. They speak with knowledge and understanding and bring healing with
what they say. Much can be learned about a person by what they say and how and when
they say it. That shows a person’s wisdom more than mere head knowledge, for
the wise are also not arrogant. The bible says that godly wisdom and pride
cannot go together, and that it is better to let others praise us than to
praise ourselves. If a person spouts their knowledge just so others know they
are smart, then they lack wisdom. If their words tear down others, are harsh,
unkind, or rash, they are not wise. Let us take thought to our words, but also
our thoughts. Let us seek to be people who bring healing and not pain. Let us
ask God to change our hearts and thoughts to be like His so that we can be wise
and not injure those around us.
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