Meditationen am Gnadenstuhl: Proverbs 15:1-4 More Proverbs of the Tongue

Friday, October 7, 2022

Proverbs 15:1–4

[1] A soft answer turns away wrath,

but a harsh word stirs up anger.

[2] The tongue of the wise commends knowledge,

but the mouths of fools pour out folly.

[3] The eyes of the Lord are in every place,

keeping watch on the evil and the good.

[4] A gentle tongue is a tree of life,

but perverseness in it breaks the spirit. (ESV)

More Proverbs of the Tongue

v.1 This proverb begins another set of four dealing with the use of the tongue. This verse reminds Christians that it is not only the content of our speech that is important. It's not just what you say but how you say it. The delivery of our words can reflect God's grace or fail to express the Gospel. Whoever we speak with can receive our speech favorably or unfavorably based not only on the content of what is said but how we deliver our message to their ears (1 Peter 3:15). Nabal's reply to David (1 Samuel 25:2-42) was unacceptable because of its tone as well as its content. Abigail's request was well received, not so much because of what she offered, but the gentle way she made her request.

v.2 This proverb follows the line of thought of the previous one. The speech of a wise person "makes knowledge good" and "commends knowledge" by presenting it well. The mouth of a fool "pours," "spouts," "gushes, pours forth," only stupidity. Whatever facts the fool may have to communicate, his delivery accomplishes nothing good. Basic human knowledge does not Wisdom made. Wisdom comes from God, and the source of Divine Wisdom is the Word made flesh, Jesus Christ. He teaches His children to use knowledge in constructive and beneficial ways (1 Corinthians 8:1-3).

v.3 God knows what all people are doing (Psalm 11:4). His eyes are everywhere (Zechariah 4:10; Revelation 2:18-19). He is present everywhere at all times, not just in heaven or in church. This applies in both a Law and a Gospel manner (1 Peter 3:12). He can punish the wicked and bless those who are righteous by faith and give them strength (2 Chronicles 16:9). He gives eternal benefits to them (Proverbs 3:13; 8:32, 34; 10:6, 22; 16:20; 20:7). Everyone will be called to give an account in front of the One who knows all and sees all (Romans 4:10; Hebrews 4:13; Revelation 20:12-13). Those who have done "good"-grasped the Gospel by faith and believed it-will receive an eternal reward.

v.4 This verse connects back to verse two by speaking of the tongue and to verse one by considering the two possible uses of one's words. Comparing the tongue that brings healing to a tree of life emphasizes that healing is not for mere social or psychological benefit but spiritual benefit. The tongue that speaks the true Gospel brings true Wisdom, which gives life-giving medicine to the ears that hear it. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, it has the ability to cure souls. The second line reminds us of the destructive power of sinful words that break a spirit instead of healing it.

I will be at the LCMS OH District Pastor's Conference most of next week and on vacation for the following two weeks. Meditations at the Mercy Seat will return on Reformation Day, October 31, 2022.