As I read through Proverbs, I am continually reminded that I must pick a side: wisdom or folly, wicked or righteous. Chapter 18 brings to light the fool’s lips, the fool’s mouth, and the words of the whisperer. These words are described as a dainty morsel. I get the image of a delicious piece of chocolate which tastes so good, so easy to indulge in. Yet, if I indulge in such words, if I even allow the “whisperer” to continue, some potentially irreparable harm can be the result.
To the reader at that time, wealth would have been compared to a strong city with high walls. Yet we are told a strong tower is the name of the Lord. Simply put, true riches are found in the Lord, the strongest of all.
Put humility before honor. Often this is much easier said than done, and it is crucial to a successful spiritual life.
Above I mentioned potential harm from the misuse of communication. I read here that an offended brother can be more difficult to “win” than a strong city. In battle, a strong city was a tremendous obstacle. To defeat it would have taken slow and steady, consistent strategy. So this is compared to winning back a brother who has been offended. It might not seem right, but an offense can happen so quickly, and restoration can take a long, long time. Thus we are urged and reminded to be careful of allowing our foolish nature to offend.
Compare how the poor man and rich man (according to the word’s standards) approach God. The poor man cries out in supplication, an earnest pleading to the Lord for his needs. The rich man speaks in a rough manner, as though he is “owed” something.
Apparently popularity was an issue even back when this was written. It appears we can actually strive to have too many friends, and maintaining so many relationships can lead a man to ruin. This is not just a “throw-away” phrase, God penned it for a reason. He seems to think much more of friends who actually can stick closer than a brother. The ideal seems to seek out and connect with those who can serve as friend and brother both.
If you turn to James 4, you will see that he, too comments on self-centeredness. It was a problem then; it is a problem now. God still desires humility, as He is “opposed to the proud,” and He gives “grace to the humble”, as James quotes the Old Testament. As a result, we are commanded to submit to God! He will deal with exalting the humble.
That friend/brother concept continues here, in that we are reminded to avoid “running down” others, as described in verse 11. It is just so easy to talk and talk, and forget that in the process of talking and “self-centering” that we might do harm to the testimony of another. James warns over and over to be careful.
We do think much of ourselves, yet we are a passing vapor, given a short time to make this life count for God. When we boast in anything but God, we can be arrogant. When we boast in God, we reflect the glory that is already His.
SO WHAT…?
So, I pray that I truly seek strength and refuge in that strong city which is the Lord. Within His protective walls, nothing can harm.
So, I purpose to hush the whisperers, to defend the one spoken about, and to pick the side of the wise.
So, join me in building someone up today, tomorrow. Doing so will take humility. God will be pleased.
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