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Daily Devotionals
Day by Day Devotional - Year 3 of 5
Proverbs 12:17-28; ; Proverbs 13:1-6
"He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life . . ." (Proverbs 13:3). We should not be astonished to find in the Proverbs so much advice about the use of the tongue. In v. 17 it is a question of the truth. A child of God should be known for telling the truth at all times, whatever it may cost him (Ephesians 4:25)! Truthful lips are the opposite of lying lips, which are "abomination to the LORD" (v. 22).
V. 25 suggests to us another use for our tongue: to gladden those whose hearts are heavy by a good word. The good word in its best sense is surely the good news of the gospel. By it, I will be able to show my friend the way to life (v. 28).
To show the way means to show the Lord Jesus (John 14:6) by my words and especially by my actions! He Himself was the wise Son, who hears His Father’s instruction (Proverbs 13:1; John 8:49).
We find the sluggard here again contrasted with the diligent man (vv. 24, 27; Proverbs 13:4). By neglecting to roast "that which he took in hunting" (v. 27), the slothful man deprives himself of his food. Let us remember that personal effort is absolutely necessary if we are to keep and digest the Bible truths which we have been able to read or listen to (notes taken and re-read, verses learnt by heart, etc.) Do not let us be "dull of hearing" (Hebrews 5:11).
