Divine Wisdom for Daily Living by Joanne Colvin

“To make an apt answer is a joy to a man, and a word in season, how good it is…A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.” (Proverbs 15:23; 25:11)

I was on the phone with a relative of mine who is struggling emotionally. Over the course of our conversation, I wanted so much to offer the right response and a good solution for the problem but found myself at a loss most of the time. I tried to know the right thing to say to help my relative. Now, though, I wonder if I wanted to have the “apt answer” because it would make me feel better. Here I am, providentially looking at Proverbs 15:23 wondering who is the man who is joyful at a right answer, the one giving it or the one receiving it?

The verse isn’t clear, is it? Perhaps that’s because an appropriate, well-timed wise answer is a win-win—both parties benefit. The receiver is the greatest beneficiary, finding comfort, help, and guidance for a problem. But the giver also profits from the practice of sharing wisdom, being strengthened in the ease of giving it when needed. Both are also helped in that the relationship deepens and encourages more instruction and guidance between the pair.

This week we will look at the characteristics and benefits of our wise words, which should be offered in grace and humility for building each other up. Our best communications are timely, gracious, gospel-based, encouraging, and sincere. Wise language improves relationships and encourages teachable spirits. Speaking wisely sometimes includes admitting that we don’t know what to say. However, it is better than silence, which can be misconstrued to be indifference or even condemnation.

Wise words are comparable to golden apples set in silver. What a beautiful picture! Can you see a sterling silver tray with an apple of gold sitting on it? I was curious about the existence of golden apples (not Minecraft apples) and looked on the Internet to see if I could find the monetary value of one. I found imitations, but none made of actual gold. Sage words are rare and Spirit-given; there are many imitations in our world, including moral platitudes, clever idioms, and famous quotations. But true wisdom comes only from Christ, the wisdom of God (1 Corinthians 1:24). Like golden apples, this wisdom is valuable and attractive, created by a skilled craftsman using God-made materials carefully and diligently. The high-quality material has been molded into a pleasing form that everyone can admire, in a presentation that is perfect for the need.

Maybe a golden apple on a silver tray is hard to imagine in our casual environment today. Perhaps working on speaking words of wisdom seems like a lot of trouble to go to when our culture encourages us to speak impulsively and recklessly. But God doesn’t think so, and we shouldn’t either. Will your words be like “apples of gold in settings of silver?”

“And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light. And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. And Peter said to Jesus, ‘Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.’ He was still speaking when, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, ‘This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.’ When the disciples heard this, they fell on their faces and were terrified. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, ‘Rise, and have no fear.’” (Matthew 17:1-7)

In “Here is Our God” Nancy Lee DeMoss writes, “What took place on the Mount of Transfiguration may be the most important event between Jesus’s birth and his death and resurrection…One of the first things that strikes me about this event is the number of different voices speaking. What a tragedy it would have been if the disciples had walked away from this mountaintop experience focusing on Peter’s voice, or on the words of Moses and Elijah, rather than on that ringing declaration of the Father from the cloud, shining the spotlight on his Son. “Listen to him,” the Father said.” (1)

The transfiguration of Christ is a theophany in which Jesus appeared and spoke to Peter, James, and John in a glorified state. He only spoke five words to them while transfigured: “Rise, and have no fear.” God’s words are always carefully chosen and purposeful. Some commentators believe that Peter was flustered, babbling about making a shelter for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah before God spoke. According to James Boice, this would have been the perfect time for Peter to stay silent since his comment seems to put Moses and Elijah on the same footing as the Son of God. (2) If Peter was shaken by Jesus Christ’s brilliant appearance, the presence of the great lawgiver, Moses, and the renowned prophet, Elijah, then hearing the voice of the Father would have sent him over the edge with holy fear. But here is Jesus, the Son of God, comforting Peter, James, and John, who were commanded to “listen to him.”

Today in church we will hear many voices—our pastor, the choir, the congregation, worship leaders, friends, and our own. These human voices are easy to hear and hopefully will delight us with encouragement, truth, music, and love. Hearing God’s voice will take more effort; we will need to prepare our hearts and minds and open our spiritual ears as he speaks to us through his Word. Which voice will you focus on in church today?

(1) DeMoss, Nancy Lee, Chapter 5, “Here Is Our God,” by Nielson, Kathryn and Carson, D.A., iBook

(2) Boice, James Montgomery, Boice Expositional Commentary Series, Baker Books, 1998, online version, Matthew, Chapter 38

 

“Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies, for it is ever with me…Your testimonies are my heritage forever, for they are the joy of my heart.” (Psalms 119:98, 111)

If Adam and Eve had fully embraced this truth they would have treasured God’s words and considered them the greatest joy! God’s commands have positive eternality—the power to guide, protect, help, and save us from all the fleeting dangers on this earth, in our sin-ridden bodies and infected minds.

Yesterday I asked if your remembered kind words that were spoken to you in a loving way or hurtful words from your past that have remained with you. I imagine that Adam and Eve remembered God’s words in the garden for the rest of their lives. Today my question is this: “Are we willing to consider that the words we speak today may end up in one of those two categories a year or decade from now?” Would you like your words to be remembered? Of course, if our language is good for building others up, the answer will be yes, in accord with Ephesians 4:29: “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.”

If we, in frustration, hurt, or anger speak unkindly and inconsiderately we would like our words to vanish from existence as soon as possible. A friend of mine shared a timely illustration today. Our words are like unneeded toothpaste squeezed out onto a table and left to sit there, without any way to put the toothpaste back in the tube. It’s messy to clean up off the table and is wasted. This illustration made me think of another picture: my recent, unfortunate spilling of a large travel mug of hot coffee on me and my furniture during my morning quiet time. Not only could I not replace the coffee, but I had to spend valuable time cleaning up everything, washing my clothes, and making another cup of coffee. Words that hurt others cause problems for us because we are (hopefully) convicted of their injury to those who need our love, not our criticism or attacks. They create the most significant problems for those who may not ever be able to forget them and the hurt they caused. And mean words may also affect others within hearing distance. There are a lot of messes to clean up, and some permanent stains. Coffee usually washes out, but other stains don’t, and some things are ruined forever by our carelessness.

God’s words will remain with us to be our wisdom and joy forever if we treasure them. The way to remember and embrace God’s words is to feed on them, digest them, and allow them to inhabit our entire being. “Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart.” (Jeremiah 15:16) If Jeremiah, the suffering, weeping prophet to idolatrous Israel can say this, can we not also take joy in God’s words? God used Jeremiah’s words to warn Israel and to teach us.

Will you be prayerful and intentional about your use of sound words today, to build up and remain with others?  Don’t we want others to profit by and remember our wise words?

“The ear that listens to life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise. Whoever ignores instruction despises himself, but he who listens to reproof gains intelligence. The fear of the Lord is instruction in wisdom, and humility comes before honor… The hearing ear and the seeing eye, the Lord has made them both.” (Proverbs 15:31-33; 20:12)

What kind of day did you have yesterday? Did you go through the day reasonably confident of yourself in your tasks, work, or relationships? Or was yesterday one of those days when you realized that you might have been wrong about something or someone after being very sure that you were right? Were you humbled in a particular way or with someone, having your confidence in your perspective or opinion shaken? Jesus instructed his disciples that “Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted” (Luke 14:11). It takes humility to listen to the instruction, advise, and opinions of others, not to mention their reproofs.

Our devotions on words thus far have concentrated on the significance and power of God’s Word and the impact that our words have on others. Today let’s look at our readiness and ability to hear the words of others who seek to help us with instruction and reproof. Proverbs 20:12 is a reminder that God, our Creator, has given us our ears to hear. The verse implies the admonition to use our ears productively for the purpose they were intended. John Gill finds here that those who do see God in his works and hear with spiritual ears biblical wisdom find wisdom, mercies, and blessings. The hearing ear is obedient and subject to those in authority, especially the ministers in the church who instruct us in the Bible. * We hear by God’s power and wisdom when he opens our ears and, by his irresistible grace gives us the desire to love the truth of the gospel and all attendant doctrines.

Proverbs 15 contrasts the one who ignores instruction as hating himself with the one who listens to reproof and gains intelligence. The equation should shake us up—ignoring instruction=hating myself, not caring about myself enough to change, grow and mature. We unfortunately get to a certain point in our lives when we decide we’ve evolved enough, and this is just the way we’re going to be from now on? This attitude is anti-biblical, ungodly, and slothful—yes, lazy. We are to use our ears, no matter how old they are, to hear instruction and reproof, from others, from the Bible, and from our conscience. One way that we show the fear of the Lord is by respecting him as our Creator to use all means possible to grow. Imagine moving to a foreign country, having to learn a foreign language, observe and practice new customs, get used to new foods, and humbly accept the fact that you don’t know more than you do know about your new community. This is how we are to live every day, as aliens on this earth, knowing that our real home is in heaven.

Will you humble yourself today to hear instruction and reproof to grow in wisdom?

* https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/gills-exposition-of-the-bible/proverbs-20-12.html

“No human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt water? Can a fig tree, my brothers, bear olives, or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can a salt pond yield fresh water.” (James 3:9-12)

Do you receive notices from Netflix, Hulu, Kindle, Goodreads, or others for particular movies or books from time to time? I do. If I have time I like to explore the media. The language of the first page of a book or in the movie trailer is enough to convince me to either forget it or keep looking with interest. Curse words, crude language, or unrestrained anger are a few of the reasons I usually won’t be reading the book or watching the movie. If the words of the characters or author are nasty, then there will most probably be a strong element of immorality in the story because a person’s language reflects their character.

Scripture repeatedly tells us to bless and encourage one another with our words. Our speech is much more than damage control. It either offers kindness, grace, and love or chafes others causing them discomfort, pain, and sometimes even permanent wounds.  I had a conversation with my mentor that took place in 2011 that I will never forget; she was so vulnerable, sweet, and honest, in a very comforting way. There is another conversation with a co-worker the following year that I will also never forget. My fellow missionary was accusative, violent, and condemning, without remorse. Words make a difference! A person’s words reflect his character and thus are a key to his whole being. My responses in both situations revealed my heart.

Jesus said, “The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.” (Luke 6:45) If we pair this verse with the James passage we will conclude that there is both goodness and evil in our hearts. I didn’t deserve the mercy from my mentor and the accusations against me from my co-worker reminded me that I do have evil in my heart which I admitted as I was berated. Now I know how to use criticism and  accusations as a jumping off point for sharing the gospel, starting with the sin in my heart and the need for regeneration.

Have you also had conversations or said things that you will always remember? If they were ill-intentioned will you seek the source of your vengeance? How can you use your hurts for the glory of God? How do your memories of the words spoken to you color your life? “A gentle tongue is a tree of life.” (Proverbs 15:4a)

“Do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or by any other oath, but let your ‘yes’ be yes and your ‘no’ be no…Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him…And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the earth bore its fruit. My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.” (James 5:12-20)

I frequently feel like I am on a treasure hunt when I study the Bible. An idea in one passage connects with another, and then another until a concept, truth, or conviction takes on a fuller meaning than I had previously from the passages independent of each other. This is a type of inductive Bible study, starting with details and forming a big picture from them. If successful, inductive studies lead us to a more comprehensive understanding of God’s character and works, which is essential for growing in wisdom.

Other times we study the Bible deductively—that is, we move from the general to the specific, breaking down a passage to examine it more closely, and thus understand more about the context of the passage and how to make personal application of it to ourselves. Looking at our passage in James, let’s start with our theme for the week: our words have a powerful influence on others, whether for good or evil. Most of the passage is about prayer and comes at the end of James’s letter that admonishes Christians to stand firm in their faith, persevering in trials, resisting temptations, and patiently waiting on God as their works prove their faith. James addresses the need to control our tongues pointed in Chapter 3, where he also describes wisdom as “coming down from above” with its divine attributes (3:17). In James 5:12 he warns against making special promises or oaths. Instead we should use simple words—yes and no—in our regular service and witness for God to others.

In verses 13-15, James exhorts us to pray for the sick and suffering, physically and spiritually for God’s healing and salvation. God will use our words to do his work—how wonderful! In verses 16 we have another encouragement to confess our sins for forgiveness and reconciliation—again connecting faithful words with regeneration and renewal. Elijah is the example of a man whose words bore great fruit because they reflected his faith and desire to serve God. Here is proof of the power of Christians’ utterances. Finally, in verses 19-20 our words can redirect the backslider, by the power of the Holy Spirit.

How might you use your words for reconciliation today—with God, with others, or for others with God or each other? “The Lord…hears the prayer of the righteous.” (Proverbs 15:29)

 

“Come, O children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD…Come and hear, all you who fear God, and I will tell what he has done for my soul.” (Psalm 34:11; 66:16)

Have you ever taught someone the fear of the Lord? How would we even go about doing so? We often accept, embrace, and love biblical truths without ever thinking specifically about their exact meaning or implication. We know that “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,” and that we are to “work out [our] own salvation with fear and trembling” (Proverbs 9:10; Philippians 2:12). Perhaps a general understanding of reverent respect for and submission to God will usually suffice.

But how exactly are we to teach“the fear of the LORD,” as David sought to do? We are reflecting on the influence of our words, so let’s see what David says leading up to verse 11. He begins with a radical statement that we cannot hope to achieve but should strive for: “I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth” (v. 1). John Gill makes the insightful comment that it is not God who is the author of our praise, but he is the object of David’s praise, in his worship, everyday accounts, in prosperity, and in adversity. * I like this distinction because many Christians confuse recitation of Scripture with praising God for his character and works, although it is indeed possible to do both at the same time since many Bible passages recount God’s attributes. However, sharing with you how God is providentially and mercifully working in my life medically or financially is different from reciting memory verses for you. Today God helped me to be both vulnerable and firm as I led a Bible study and participated in my accountability group. Vulnerability was vital to my effectiveness and it’s not easy for me to be both vulnerable and firm. I thank God for his faithfulness.

David also says, “I sought the LORD, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears…This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him and saved him out of all his troubles.

The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them” (vs. 4-7). Here David testifies that he prayed to God for help, that God answered him and relieved him of his fears and his troubles. It is only possible to give this type of testimony if we are pouring out our hearts to the Lord. Then, we must pay attention to God’s answers to our prayers. Do you expect God to answer your prayers, and when he does, do you fearfully appreciate his wisdom? Do you tell others about God’s answers to your prayers?

One way to practice teaching others to learn about fearing God is to practice with other Christians who are already doing so. In Psalm 66, the psalmist addresses his testimony of what God has done for his soul to “all you who fear God.” Neglecting to tell others about how God is working in our lives negates the impact of our words in light of God’s purpose for us to glorify him. Will you testify about God today to teach and encourage others to have a fear of the Lord?

* https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/gills-exposition-of-the-bible/psalms-34-1.html

 

“My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.” (James 5:19-20)

Teacher alert! If you are teaching students today of any age, you are called to train them up in the way of the Lord, either directly and conspicuously or indirectly and subtly (for those of you teaching in public schools). As a trainer of teachers, I used to instruct them that all things need to be taught to children and never assumed. We should never presume that a child of any age recognizes sin in him or herself. A teacher’s words are powerful to influence their students and should be used appropriately to intercede and guide minds and hearts. Christian teachers in Christian schools have environments conducive to strong biblical instruction and should not shrink from this duty.

What about the rest of us? Do we have a responsibility to teach or rebuke a child or adult? Of course, we are commanded to address the sins of others in Scripture. Luke 17:3 is to the point, “If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him.” (Also see Matthew 5:23-25; 18:15-17.) Yes, this is sticky!

This week we will look at the influence and weight of our words, especially wise words, before we study their characteristics. If we are not convinced that God empowers our biblical words and speech, we will not use them appropriately, or perhaps speak at all when we have the opportunity to sway someone to the Lord. I have started with one of the messiest aspects of communication between Christians because it is vital to know that our wisdom is not just for our convenience or comfort. God gives us wise words to be used in difficult situations, as well as in pleasant circumstances. If we are unwilling to enter into the chaotic, confusing intersection of personal holiness colliding with worldly tendencies, we will not be of much use to Christ with our words.

The point of today’s devotion is not the “how” of correcting, instructing, or rebuking another Christian, but the necessity of doing so, rather than giving into our comfort and “letting it go.” I know this is not the first time I have addressed this and it won’t be the last, because it is addressed in Scripture more than once or twice. Here James is concluding his letter to the church with the admonition to care about the body of Christ enough to help those who have backslid or fallen into sin and not repented. Although James mentions saving “his soul from death” most commentators I have read consider these sins as those belonging to Christians, members of the church to whom James was writing, similar to the instruction given by John and Jude (1 John 5:16; 1:23).

If you are casual with your words will you use them more seriously today? If you tend to hoard your words, keeping to yourself, will you consider speaking more for the Lord? If you are harsh, will you be softer; if you are mild, will you use your knowledge to share your wisdom? Will we be concerned about the Body of Christ today?

“Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will return to you.” (Psalms 51:13)

 

“My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.” (James 5:19-20)

Teacher alert! If you are teaching students today of any age, you are called to train them up in the way of the Lord, either directly and conspicuously or indirectly and subtly (for those of you teaching in public schools). As a trainer of teachers, I used to instruct them that all things need to be taught to children and never assumed. We should never presume that a child of any age recognizes sin in him or herself. A teacher’s words are powerful to influence their students and should be used appropriately to intercede and guide minds and hearts. Christian teachers in Christian schools have environments conducive to strong biblical instruction and should not shrink from this duty.

What about the rest of us? Do we have a responsibility to teach or rebuke a child or adult? Of course, we are commanded to address the sins of others in Scripture. Luke 17:3 is to the point, “If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him.” (Also see Matthew 5:23-25; 18:15-17.) Yes, this is sticky!

This week we will look at the influence and weight of our words, especially wise words, before we study their characteristics. If we are not convinced that God empowers our biblical words and speech, we will not use them appropriately, or perhaps speak at all when we have the opportunity to sway someone to the Lord. I have started with one of the messiest aspects of communication between Christians because it is vital to know that our wisdom is not just for our convenience or comfort. God gives us wise words to be used in difficult situations, as well as in pleasant circumstances. If we are unwilling to enter into the chaotic, confusing intersection of personal holiness colliding with worldly tendencies, we will not be of much use to Christ with our words.

The point of today’s devotion is not the “how” of correcting, instructing, or rebuking another Christian, but the necessity of doing so, rather than giving into our comfort and “letting it go.” I know this is not the first time I have addressed this and it won’t be the last, because it is addressed in Scripture more than once or twice. Here James is concluding his letter to the church with the admonition to care about the body of Christ enough to help those who have backslid or fallen into sin and not repented. Although James mentions saving “his soul from death” most commentators I have read consider these sins as those belonging to Christians, members of the church to whom James was writing, similar to the instruction given by John and Jude (1 John 5:16; 1:23).

If you are casual with your words will you use them more seriously today? If you tend to hoard your words, keeping to yourself, will you consider speaking more for the Lord? If you are harsh, will you be softer; if you are mild, will you use your knowledge to share your wisdom? Will we be concerned about the Body of Christ today?

“Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will return to you.” (Psalms 51:13)

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made…And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:1-3, 14)

Today I listened to a women’s ministry podcast by Mary Haberkorn entitled, “Living the Word in a Distracted World” which I heartily recommend * Mary, who has three boys under the age of five years, spoke about distractions to Bible study, including technology. I appreciated her talk after meditating on the power and majesty of God’s voice last night. This evening as I write this blog post for tomorrow, I am, once again, caught up with the unique glory of God and his word, which is incomparable to all other language or communication, because God is incomparable with anyone or anything else. He alone is the Creator, and we are his creatures. We try to imitate God and attempt to follow the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ with the help of the Holy Spirit. We fail, but we do not give up. Knowledge is knowing that we cannot entirely obey Jesus. Wisdom is continuing to press on in our sanctification because Christ is the Word made flesh, full of grace and truth.

God is his Word. Although Jesus became the Word in the flesh, he was also the Word in Spirit. Unlike us, his flesh was not his failing but our salvation. Peter wrote this about us, “’All flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls, but the word of the Lord remains forever.’ And this word is the good news that was preached to you.” (1 Peter 1:24-25) Since God is his word and his word remains forever, Jesus never faded or withered. He willingly gave up his life in the flesh that we can have spiritual life in him. Nothing distracted him when he ministered and made the journey to Jerusalem and his crucifixion.

When we worship the Lord today at your church will you be focused or distracted? It’s easy to say that I will put my phone on silent and airplane mode so that other notifications won’t compete with the pastor. But it’s much harder to control my thoughts, to be so invested in worship that I take notes either on my phone or in the bulletin. (This is recommended by Mary Haberkorn and a consistent practice of mine, to stay focused.) Where will your mind and heart be today? If we meditate on the glory, grace, and truth of God in his Word every Sunday from now until the day we die in this body, will we even scratch the surface of his majesty? Isn’t it wise to use our Sundays for their highest use? “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.” (Exodus 20:8)

* “Encourage” podcasts are available on iTunes or at encourage.pcacdm.org/podcast/