This chapter changes tone from a lament to a series of adages – it reads like a chapter of Proverbs.
“If the iron is blunt, and one does not sharpen the edge, he must use more strength, but wisdom helps one to succeed. The words of a wise man’s mouth win him favor, but the lips of a fool consume him. A fool multiplies words, though no man knows what is to be, and who can tell him what will be after him? Even in your thoughts, do not curse the king, nor in your bedroom curse the rich, for a bird of the air will carry your voice, or some winged creature tell the matter.” (v10,12,14,20)
Many of the verses here focus on the benefits of wisdom:
– remain sharp (honed or practised) to be more effective
– maintain healthy relationships for better outreach
– it is wise to curb the excessive use of words, especially when talking about unpredictable or far-future events
– think & speak well of everyone at all times, because any dark thoughts have a way of coming into the light, harming our neighbor-loving reputation
God’s desire for His children is to reflect Him / Jesus to those who do not yet follow Him. How can we do that? By acting like Jesus. Jesus was the wisest and most self-controlled person to ever walk this earth. We can use God-given wisdom and the fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22-23) to behave like Jesus. If we feel like we’re lacking wisdom, scripture says we can ask for it (Jas 1:5).
I find that one of the wisest things I can do is pray before I speak or act. This can be difficult to remember in the middle of an intense conversation, yet that is when a momentary pause for prayer proves to be critical.
I encourage us to seek God’s guidance as often as we can, and continue consistently building our relationships with Him in our quiet time (I suggest it’s rare to “find” quiet time, it must be intentionally “made”). The more we rely on God for our moment-by-moment guidance, the better we can reflect His attributes in loving and honoring our neighbors.
Father God, our Glorious and Honorable Lord, we praise Your holy name. You have blessed us greatly with Your Spirit and many examples of how to honor You (including examples from Jesus Himself). Please help us to remain wise, which is to rely on You for our wisdom and guidance. As we fully devote ourselves to You, may others see Your fruit in our lives and come to follow You as well. We seek to honor, praise, glorify and obey You, forever and ever, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training