Words, Work, Etc.

Proverbs 18 is another chapter that addresses a variety of issues. We'll start off with one of the threads that is the tapestry of Proverbs: our words.

"The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit" (Prov. 18:21). Other places in the chapter, Solomon talks about "the fruit of a man's mouth." Basically, the messages you send with your mouth are what you are feeding yourself. If you are feeding yourself spiteful, negative, or crude messages, you ought not expect your spirit to be very healthy.

"A fool finds no pleasure in understanding but delights in airing his own opinions" (Prov. 18:2). Most of us know at least one person who likes to talk but doesn't like to listen. Not much else to say, except that behavior like that is foolish.

"He who answers before listening--that is his folly and his shame" (Prov. 18:13). Very similar behavior to that addressed in the previous verse. It is impossible to have a reasonable discussion with a person like this, so don't bother getting frustrated. It's not worth the energy! Again, behavior like this alienates people and ends up making the speaker/non-listener look stupid because this type of person does not speak based on knowledge or what others say.

Now for a verse on relationships. "A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother" (Prov. 18:24). Some people tend to have a wide circle of friends and acquaintances, and others have a small circle of very close friends. I have always belonged to the second group. There is absolutely nothing wrong or wiser about having a large number of friends. But there are only a few friends in one's life who will be loyal no matter what happens. These are the friends who are gifts from God and are such a support to our hearts.

Friends help us in so many ways, one being keeping our spirits up in hard times. Verse 14 demonstrates the importance of this. "A man's spirit sustains him in sickness, but a crushed spirit who can bear?" (Prov. 18:14). As I've said before, we live in a fallen world; therefore, bad things will happen to us. But it is wise to focus on God and surround yourself with people who will redirect your eyes back to God when you become downcast. That is the way to make it through the bad times.

A word about work ethic: "One who is slack in his work is brother to one who destroys" (Prov. 18:9). It seems that not many people truly take pride in their work these days. The way to success in many workplaces is to do the bare minimum and rely on office politics to safeguard one's position. That may bring worldly success, but it is NOT God's way. Don't be discouraged when others around you are rewarded when they have done nothing of merit. Remember Colossians 3:23-25: "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favoritism."

It's a tough world out there, people. So what do we do when we are so beaten down by it that we feel helpless? "The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe" (Prov. 18:10). 'Nuff said.