“From the fruit of their lips people are filled with good things, and the work of their hands brings them reward.”
I usually say talk is cheap, actions are what count. Or, actions speak louder than words. Here Solomon is making the case that those are not always the whole truth. In this verse we are shown that wise words – teaching, counsel, encouragement- are like seeds being planted that when they come to fruition produce love and respect. I’ve experienced this many times over my life. I have watch wise, godly friends speak good things into others lives and watched them come back into the speakers life in their labors as a gift. This almost feels like a social exchange, you get something for giving. However, the biblical worldview lets us know that that is not how God’s kingdom operates. It is a grace economy that God operates by. We speak this way because we serve a God of gracious wisdom and life. We do it out of love for Him and to reflect His kingdom in a broken and hurting world. We celebrate His grace in the results and a watching world gets a glimpse of who He is and how He treats His children. Today speak grace. #BeTheEdge
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Ephesians 4:29 NIV
