Words of the Wise

Springs and fountains are wonderful gifts of nature that give access to the underground aquatic treasure of the earth. They can serve as apt metaphors of what  flows out of the human heart.

For example, Proverbs 10:11 says, ‘the words of the godly are a life-giving fountain, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence' . 

Our world is awash in words - tweets, blogs, books, whispers, broadcasts, advertizing, sermons, lectures. 
In the desert of empty and self-serving words or the war-zone of words that hurt, poison or lie, the words of the righteous are a refreshing change. Like a life-giving spring, they flow with grace from speaker to hearer; they nourish others (v.21) and bring joy to those who receive them. These are not just cheery talk - they may even be hard to speak or receive, but they are 'righteous' – i.e. virtuous, generous, relevant and true. They are ‘a fountain of wisdom’ v.31 MSG. 

Proverbs 18:4 adds more colour to this picture: “Wise words are like deep waters; wisdom flows from the wise like a bubbling brook” . Like the river in Ezekiel’s vision, everything flourishes where this water flows.

The last half of Proverbs 10:11 is a stark contrast to this life-enriching speech; it says 'but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence' -- insulting words, harsh, malicious, dishonest words that flow uncensored from polluted wells,

In the New Testament, James seems to have this proverb in mind when he observes the irony and inconsistency of offensive language coming from the mouths of righteous people: With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? James 3:9-11

May your words today be a refreshing spring!