Sermon Text: Psalm 27
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 27th November 2022
Sermon Text: Psalm 27
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 27th November 2022
(In view of this week's DVBS for children)
Though most Christian parents understand that parental guidance and nurture are instrumental in shaping their children’s future, many fail to give their children’s spiritual nurture the predominant place Scripture demands. Generally, parents are distracted from that primary duty by their overriding anxiety concerning children’s secular education and material success. Hence, children’s spiritual education and success have often been set aside. This is a very lamentable situation.
The Holy Scriptures repeatedly insist on the importance of spiritual nurture by believing parents (cf. Genesis 18:19; Deuteronomy 4:9; 6:7; Psalm 78:3-6; Ephesians 6:4; 2 Timothy 3:15). The hopes of the present generation and the next hang upon this most important rule – “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6).
Charles Bridges (1794-1869), a great biblical scholar and churchman, commented thus on the importance of spiritual nurture of children: “… the religious training must not be the border of the garment, which might easily be cut off. It must be the pervading substance throughout. Begin, as Hannah did, with the dedication of the child to God (1 Samuel 1:28). This done – train him as God’s child, entrusted to your care. Ask guidance from day to day – ‘How shall we order the child, and how shall we do unto him?’ (Judges 13:12). Train him, as a baptised child, in the principles of his baptismal engagements. Pray for him. Teach him to pray. Instruct him from a child in the Holy Scriptures, as the sole rule of faith, and directory of conduct.”
To this end, we regularly hold special Bible programmes for our children. Pray for the blessings of DVBS (30 Nov–2 Dec 2022) that the Word of God will effectively work in our children for their salvation and spiritual growth. May the entire church be in prayer for the DVBS. Please attend this week’s prayer meeting, which will be specially devoted to praying for the DVBS. May the Lord strengthen and bless all who serve in the DVBS with zeal and dedication.
“Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged” (Colossians 3:21).
The advice given here for “fathers” is also for “mothers”, as the Greek word patēr is also translated as “parents” elsewhere in our English Bible (Hebrews 11:23). What is said here should be received by all who are parents.
All parents are commanded not to provoke their children lest they be discouraged. They should immediately refrain from any attitude, word or action that would cause irritation and emotional outburst. They must also be careful not to cause discouragement in the children. Parents must spend time daily with their children, instructing, teaching, correcting, encouraging and even entertaining them. They must make every effort to point children to Christ and His will.
The following unwise actions, which can cause severe provocation in children, should be carefully avoided by parents:
Christian youths – even young teens – have been following the worldly practice of dating, which is thoroughly unbiblical. Many seem to be totally unaware of the dangers of “dating”. Now, what is biblically wrong about modern “dating”?
Generally, what is called “dating” today refers to the maintaining of a romantic relationship with someone of the opposite sex. To an increasing number of youngsters in our society, dating is simply “having fun” with someone of the opposite sex, with no strings attached. In Singapore, dating is becoming common even among young teens in secondary schools. The dating activities of youths in tertiary educational institutions frequently involve booze, drugs, going on holidays together, sexual intercourse, etc.
Dating is largely patterned after the lifestyles portrayed by the entertainment world in movies and suchlike. It is a relationship based on sensual feelings and fantasies. In dating, friendships are struck up through fleshly attractions, such as good looks, a cute smile, an amorous voice, sensual appearance, flirtatious speech and behaviour, fashionable and trendy attire, a groovy car, etc.
Even Christian youths begin dating on the basis of such sensual appeal. Christian couples, who date much like the world, fall into many spiritual, moral, emotional and social problems. Dating opens the youths to temptations of sin. Improper sexual conduct, sin and a damaged testimony often plague such youths. That’s not all. More troubles and evils will ensue – disappointment, depression, guilt, shame, quarrels, resentment, vengeful spirit, etc. Furthermore, the relationships with parents and friends will likely also become tumultuous.
When a dating couple agree not to date others and stay together for an extended period of time, they are considered as “going steady”. They become attached romantically, emotionally, and often sexually. They often behave like a married couple. However, it does not have the commitment of a faithful marriage relationship. Their relationship is generally unstable and unpredictable. It is a phoney, sensual liaison – a counterfeit marriage relationship! Then when the boy or girl gets bored with the relationship, or becomes suspicious of the other, or catches the other cheating, or simply decides that someone else is more desirable, the relationship is ended.
Unsurprisingly, dating is so often a temporary, flirtatious rather than a permanent, godly relationship. Many of those dating relationships do not end up in marriage. The resultant break-up often involves heartache, anger and many negative emotional consequences. Although some “succeed” only after going through several dating experiences, they often manifest the distasteful experiences of distrust, suspicion, anxiety, etc. which have been engendered by their string of failed dating relationships. It is not uncommon that such marriages end up on the rocks.
Dating, which is founded on worldly principles, promotes fornication and destructive behaviour among young people. Hedonistic attitudes maintained in such relationships, which drive one to be obsessed with deriving as much pleasure out of life as possible, engender disrespect and ill-treatment, as well as desensitise moral discernment. The resultant marriages are much like houses built upon sand, ready to collapse.
The apostle Paul viewed very disapprovingly those who conducted themselves in an impure and sensual manner. He warned the Corinthian church, “And lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and that I shall bewail many which have sinned already, and have not repented of the uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness which they have committed” (2 Corinthians 12:21). This shows that in the Corinthian church, some members had been living sensually. Paul was appalled and mindful that such members who conducted themselves in a sensual and worldly manner would bring shame to the Lord and His church. It is utterly humiliating to a godly congregation when some members live in worldliness and in fornication. Paul spared no effort in warning against the destructive effects of fornication: “Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand” (1 Corinthians 10:8); “Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body” (1 Corinthians 6:18). Do realise that a life of fornication not only destroys relationships, but also one’s emotional, mental and physical health!
Dear youths, do not engage in the worldly kind of dating. Let every young Christian know that “this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication” (1 Thessalonians 4:3). God’s Word clearly admonishes us in Colossians 3:5-6 to “Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: for which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience”. Dearly beloved, keep yourselves unspotted from the world and worldly trends (cf. James 1:27) – especially regarding “fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints” (Ephesians 5:3)!
All Christian youths must be warned about the dangers of the dating practices that are prevalent in our society. It is generally a relationship whereby two unmarried individuals of opposite genders pursue a close friendship purely based on their carnal senses. The outcome is flirting and fornication, and most of such relationships do not culminate in marriage either. Christians should not follow this worldly and sensual kind of dating that is so widely accepted as the norm in our society.
Such dating habits in schools and colleges lure many Christian youths into intimate relationships with unbelievers. This is creating a serious spiritual situation in Christian homes and churches. Increasingly, Christian youths allow themselves to be entangled and become “trapped” in the sticky web of carnal relationships, eventually betraying spiritual truths, holiness and even the Lord Jesus Christ Himself whom they once professed. Tragedy, O utter tragedy! These are souls being “drugged” and dragged into the darkness of wild, sinful passions!
Dear youths, do not casually regard or view with nonchalance the evil of this unguarded pursuit of the world’s dirty game called “dating”. If I would not warn you of its dangers, I will have to bear the awful guilt of not telling you of the divine warning against cultivating intimacy with the unbelievers. After reading what has been written in this article, if you would still flirt with the worldly ones, then I cannot be held responsible for your choice of the worst for yourself.
Please read carefully and take heed of what God’s Word teaches you:
This prohibition is most succinctly expressed in 2 Corinthians 6:14 – “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers”. The imagery used here is that of two incompatible animals being put together under the same yoke. They would be such a mismatch! For such a pair to work together for long is just not possible, as they are of different natures and temperaments. It is not only unwise conduct, but also a sin for a Christian to choose an unbeliever to be a life-partner.
The apostle Paul further exposes the foolishness of such an “unequal yoke” through a series of rhetorical questions: “for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?” (2 Corinthians 6:14b-15).
There can be no spiritual wholesomeness in a marriage between a Christian and a non-Christian. There will be no harmony whatsoever, but the worst conflicts of eternal proportions! The disparity and conflict between a Christian and a non-Christian will be just as between light and darkness, between Christ and false gods like Belial. Certainly, there will be no blessing of the Lord upon such an unbiblical union.
In 1 Corinthians 15:33, believers are warned – “Be not deceived: evil communications corruptgood manners.” The term “evil communications” means the associating with evil or ungodly individuals. You deceive yourself when you choose to cultivate a close relationship with an unbeliever. Self-deception is the worst kind of deception, because you eventually betray yourself.
When you choose an unbeliever, you will have deceived yourself to accept the worst choice you could have made. An unbiblical alliance is an unholy alliance. It will prompt you to ungodly conduct. Corruption is a gradual change. Silently but surely, evil communications corrupt good manners. All the good manners that you have learned as a Christian child will eventually be lost.
There is no safety in the company of those who have no fear of God. They have no spiritual and moral principles to abide by. They are openly immoral or unprincipled. Such association is dangerous to a true Christian. To have one who is destitute of faith and holiness to be your trusted friend is to endanger yourself with all sorts of ungodly evils.
A couple’s faith and commitment to Jesus Christ is vital to overcoming challenges and hindrances to a blessed marriage life. Christian husbands are commanded to love their wives like Christ – “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it” (Ephesians 5:25). A man, who has not known the love of Christ, certainly will not know how to love sacrificially, genuinely, and purifyingly as Christ loves. A woman, who has not known how to be submissive to Christ, will not know the joy and blessings of submissive conduct.
Mutual prayers and biblical exhortations will not grace their family life. Worshipping and praying together as a family will also not be possible. Christ will not be the Head of their home! Without spiritual unity with Christ, there can be no ultimate marital unity marked by Christ-like love, submission and oneness. Marital life is not just a sexual union. A proper relationship with God is undoubtedly more important than sexual intimacy. Though there is physical pleasure and satisfaction in family life, it will not at all be joyful and successful without dependence on and obedience to God.
“Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it” (Psalm 127:1). Consider the remarkable description of a godly home in Psalm 128:1-3 – “Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD; that walketh in his ways. For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee. Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house: thy children like olive plants round about thy table.” Just imagine the precious spiritual heritage and the wonderful blessings you would be forfeiting when you choose an ungodly relationship!
Trying to bring up children in a disobedient relationship, where one of the parents is a non-Christian, is like swimming against a strong current. Without leadership or support of the other parent, it will be very difficult – to say the least – to nurture a child in godly ways. In fact, in such a family environment, there will be constant opposition to wholehearted commitment to the biblical upbringing of the children. The conflict of faith among the parents will not only be confusing but also disheartening to the children.
If you are single, the most obvious thing to do, in the light of the above biblical counsels, is to avoid any intimate companionship with an unbeliever. Do not begin an ungodly relationship with an unbeliever. If you are dating a non-Christian, you should leave that relationship at once, for the Bible admonishes unequivocally in 2 Corinthians 6:17 – “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you”.
Sermon Text: Psalm 26
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 6th November 2022
Gethsemane B-P Church’s Annual Congregational Meeting (ACM) is required by the law of Singapore and our church constitution to “report on the spiritual and temporal conditions of the congregation and announce plans for the coming year” (Gethsemane B-P Church Constitution, 19.8). Though it is a business meeting, we must be mindful that we are essentially meeting to recollect and evaluate the business of the Lord’s church. As such, the ACM of the church must be conducted in a manner that is worthy of the Lord’s glory. The church leaders and members must participate in the meeting with love, humility, faithfulness and prayerfulness, for the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
We praise God for the unity and comradeship in Gethsemane, which has helped us to hold trouble-free congregational meetings over the past years. Let us once again prayerfully take heed to Paul’s admonition that we should be “endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3). “A house divided cannot stand.”
I would like to share two important biblical principles which Christians must maintain in their meetings. Please heed those essential principles, and let them guide our conduct in today’s ACM so that we may glorify Christ, the Head of the Church.
The ACM should never be a platform for singing our own praise. “That no flesh should glory in his presence” (1 Corinthians 1:29). Instead, it should be a time of much thanksgiving to the Lord, who has done great things for and through us. So, let us all gather together with boundless praise for the Lord. “He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 1:31). May our thoughts be about His goodness. Let every heart rejoice and give thanks unto the Lord.
When we thank God, we can neither ignore nor neglect those who sacrificially and joyfully serve the Lord in the different ministries of Gethsemane according to God’s will. We should commend them and thank God for them. Nonetheless, let no man seek his own glory but the glory of God. Let us humble ourselves before our great Saviour, as Paul did. “For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of” (1 Corinthians 9:16a). “So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase” (1 Corinthians 3:7).
The annual reports on the church’s activities, achievements and financial accounts should direct our hearts to praise His name. Let us “forget not all his benefits” (Psalm 103:2b). Let us recall God’s protection, deliverance and provisions for every ministry and church member. Would God lament over us for our ungratefulness as He cried over the Israelites? “Can a maid forget her ornaments, or a bride her attire? yet my people have forgotten me days without number” (Jeremiah 2:32). So, let our minds recollect the many helps and blessings that God has bestowed upon each one of us and upon the ministries of the church.
Let there be no unthankful heart in the ACM!
The ACM documents (minutes, reports, audited accounts, etc.) have been made available to all church members for their evaluation. The Board of Elders has advised the church members to read the ACM documents and submit their questions to the office holders early. If members have submitted questions, they would be answered during the ACM.
We thank God that He has enabled the office bearers of the church to manage the church funds well for the glory of Christ and for the furtherance of the Gospel. By God’s grace, the BOE has faithfully managed the church funds for the worldwide Gospel dissemination and His servants’ support.
Our recollection and evaluation of the past year’s ministries (local and overseas) must not cause us to be prideful or slothful. Instead, we must humbly renew our commitment and consecrate ourselves to serve the Lord faithfully and fervently in the coming year.
We must render more labour to harvest souls here in Singapore and overseas. More consecration and generosity are needed to support all the existing and new ministries. We must not become weary or hesitant. Let us ask the Lord to increase our faith, resolve, courage and zeal for His work. As a congregation, let us arise in faith and consecrate ourselves to do His work according to His will. The Lord promises, “I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name” (Revelation 3:8).
What should be our response to the Lord’s call, guidance and promises as we evaluate the enormous work before us and the substantial financial provision our church would need?
Consecration!
We should not be like the Israelites, who murmured against Moses, Joshua and Caleb upon hearing from the ten faithless spies who discouraged them from going into the Promised Land because of the giants who lived there. Though God’s providence brought them to the border of the Promised Land, and God’s servants relentlessly cheered them on to courageously go over the river Jordan to conquer the good land, they allowed their hearts to faint and fear. May none of God’s people in Gethsemane become a faithless coward in the face of this enormous challenge.
What we need today is not fear but faith, not cowardice but consecration!
Consecrate me now to Thy service, Lord,
By the pow’r of grace divine;
Let my soul look up with a steadfast hope
And my will be lost in Thine.
Sermon Text: Psalm 25
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 30th October 2022
The Reformation movement of the 16th Century was not a mere human venture with a great cause. It was not just a revolutionary effort of one man, namely Martin Luther. It was neither an individual revolutionary action nor a society’s collective effort to bring about change and progress. Instead, it was a divine work through those whom God has chosen and empowered by His Word and His Spirit.
The reformation of the church was not a one-and-done event in 1517, but an ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in the hearts of His people. It emerged from the Holy Spirit’s work in many individuals that brought about their repentance, regeneration, renewal, reformation and revival through His Word. Indeed, God used the revival in Luther’s heart to start a revival of Christianity in his time. The saving and reviving work of God in the Reformers was the beginning of divine work to revive Christianity. Through their transformation, God worked to expel the heretical beliefs and practices from the church, and to proclaim biblical truths for the salvation and sanctification of sinners. The Reformation movement and the Protestantism that ensued were God’s reviving of Christianity.
The Reformers viewed their task as a divine work carried out through them for the renewal and planting of Christian churches. The perspective of the Reformers (Martin Luther, Zwingli, John Calvin, etc.) on the movement was that it was a divine work for the renewal of the church, and that the true Gospel of Jesus Christ be proclaimed everywhere for the salvation of sinners. This overwhelming understanding of the Reformation is reflected in the following words of John Calvin’s prayer:
“We pray to you now, O most gracious God and merciful Father, for all people everywhere. As it is your will to be acknowledged as the Savior of the whole world, through the redemption wrought by your Son Jesus Christ, grant that those who are still estranged from the knowledge of him, being in the darkness and captivity of error and ignorance, may be brought by the illumination of your Holy Spirit and the preaching of your gospel to the right way of salvation, which is to know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.”
(This is a further continuation of the article on “Our Speech Matters!” by Pastor Koshy, published over the last two weeks. It is compiled from several articles that he wrote in Bible Witness, Volume 11, Issue 4.)
More practical instructions in the Book of Proverbs on developing wholesome speech are presented below.
Soft Answer
Proverbs 15:1 regards “a soft answer” as wise speech because it “turneth away wrath”. The Hebrew word for “soft” (rak) appears about 16 times in the Old Testament; it is translated by the King James Bible as “tender” (9 times), “soft” (3 times), as well as “fainthearted”, “weak” and “tenderhearted”. In the context of this verse, it points to gentle, conciliatory words.
We must be careful to avoid provocative words at all times. Especially in tense situations, gentle and non-provocative words will help to calm those who are agitated and wrathful. So, our words must be chosen with much self-control, forethought, love and patience. Words spoken in haste will aggravate a heated conversation even further. Speak to pacify – that is wise speech!
So, Proverbs 25:15 says, “a soft tongue breaketh the bone.” It is yet another maxim that drives home the truth that gentle and amiable words will make tender those who have been most difficult and inflexible. A modern Greek proverb says, “The tongue has no bones, yet it breaks bones!”
Words of Kindness
Wise speech is always characterised by virtues like love, grace and kindness. Wise speech is not harsh, discourteous or rude.
Proverbs 22:11 provides instruction on the graciousness of wise speech – “He that loveth pureness of heart, for the grace of his lips the king shall be his friend.” The Hebrew word for “grace” (hēn) is often translated as “grace” and “favour”. So, the phrase, “grace of his lips”, suggests gracious speech or expressions of kind and favourable words. This verse also tells us that a man who loves purity will be gracious.
Purity of heart and graciousness of speech make a man worthy of notice and reward from his king. Though many kings would care nothing about righteousness and graciousness, yet several of the Old Testament characters were promoted by their kings because of their purity and graciousness. Joseph (cf. Genesis 41:37-45), Daniel (Daniel 6:1-3, 28) and Ezra (Ezra 7:21-25) are truly examples of those who had lived out the instruction and promise of this verse. “Righteous lips are the delight of kings; and they love him that speaketh right” (Proverbs 16:13). If God, the King of kings, were to bring any promotion to us at all, He will look for purity and graciousness in our hearts, words and actions.
Concerning the virtuous woman of Proverbs 31, it is written that “in her tongue is the law of kindness” (Proverbs 31:26). “The law of kindness” is a very necessary rule for every tongue if the words it utters are to be wise.
Words of Rebuke
Proverbs’ promotion of words of encouragement does not preclude the necessity of words of warning and rebuke. Both are equally important. In fact, the book itself has many instances of rebuke for those who behave foolishly.
Proverbs 28:23 lauds the usefulness of rebuke when it says, “He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue.” Daring to rebuke a person may cause temporary alienation, but if the person who has been rebuked is truly wise, he will return to give thanks for the correction he has received. On the other hand, flattering someone who has erred may appear pleasant, but it prevents him from seeing his errors. Flattering someone who ought to be rebuked is tantamount to cheering him on in his foolishness! A faithful and loving friend will sharply rebuke the man who has erred, so that he may be corrected and rescued from the consequences of his errors. Hence, rebuke is better than flattery.
“Open rebuke is better than secret love. Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful” (Proverbs 27:5-6). Rebuking is to be preferred over hidden (literally “closed up, withdrawn”) love. In other words, correcting a person’s fault is evidence of love, but failing to correct him shows that love is withheld. An enemy (literally “one who hates”) may seem to be a friend by his many “kisses”, whereas a true friend (literally “one who loves”) may seem to be an enemy by the wounds he inflicts (i.e. inner hurts that come from being rebuked or criticised). Ironically, while rebukes can be genuine expressions of friendship, kisses can be deceitful expressions of hatred.
That is why Proverbs warns against ignoring correction. “But ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof … they would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof” (Proverbs 1:25, 30). In fact, on several occasions, the wisdom of Proverbs urges readers to respond positively to wise rebuke directed at them:
Words Used Sparingly
A wise man generally uses few words. In fact, Proverbs teaches us to use words sparingly and unhurriedly. “In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise” (Proverbs 10:19). Firstly, the verse warns us that constant talking will eventually lead us to sin and trouble. Secondly, it teaches us to avoid that danger by refraining our lips from uttering too many words.
The warning against chattering is repeated two other times in the same chapter. We read in Proverbs 10:8b and 10b, “but a prating fool shall fall.” Likewise, Proverbs 11:12 says, “He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour: but a man of understanding holdeth his peace” (cf. James 3:2-8). The Hebrew word for “despise” (bûz) can also mean “deride” or “belittle”. It often expresses the idea of speaking contemptuously of another. It makes no sense to deride one’s neighbour (i.e. someone who lives or works in close proximity). Since this causes friction and dissension, it is wise to “hold his peace”. Divine wisdom highly recommends friendly silence rather than unwise ridicule.
Wisdom of silence is again mentioned in Proverbs 17:27-28 – “He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit. Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.” Proverbs also advises us to refrain from gossiping: “A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter” (Proverbs 11:13). This verse recommends prudent concealment rather than spreading rumours. A talebearer betrays his friend who confides in him. It is foolish and unrighteous to reveal what one has been entrusted with.
Proverbs also tells us that guarding one’s speech is self-protection: “Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles” (Proverbs 21:23). A man who guards his speech protects himself from many troubles that careless words would have brought to him. By constant watchfulness over our words, we can avoid the many troubles of an ungoverned tongue.
Words Carefully Chosen
Engaging in conversation is often a necessity. However, we should be careful with our choice of words. Most importantly, our words ought to be wise and apt.
Proverbs 15:28a notices that “The heart of the righteous studieth to answer”. The Hebrew word for “studieth” (hāgâ) carries the idea of “meditating”. This verse emphasises that a godly man would first make a judgment about the thoughts in his mind before he utters them.
Evaluating our thoughts and feelings before we say anything at all will help us avoid careless errors, and speak with wisdom. Pouring out every thought provoked by circumstances, without weighing its merit carefully, can lead to foolish speech of various kinds. “The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness” (Proverbs 15:2). Again, it is said, “The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips” (Proverbs 16:23).
Truly, may we pay heed to develop wholesome speech, that the words of our mouth, which come from the meditation of our heart, be acceptable in the sight of God and men (cf. Psalm 19:14).
Sermon Text: Psalm 24:1–10
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 23rd October 2022
(This is the continuation of the article on “Our Speech Matters!” by Pastor Koshy, published last week. It is compiled from several articles that he wrote in Bible Witness, Volume 11, Issue 4. Part 3 will be published next week.)
The Book of Proverbs describes various characteristics of wise speech. It also provides practical instructions on developing wholesome speech so that we may speak wisely. These biblical counsels on wise speech are discussed below.
Proverbs 10:13 casts light on those who utter words of wisdom – “In the lips of him that hath understanding wisdom is found”. In Proverbs, a man of understanding is one who yields his mind to the fear of the LORD (2:5), as well as to righteousness (2:9; 8:8; 10:32), learning (1:5; 16:21), prudence (14:8, 15; 16:21) and knowledge (2:5; 8:9; 14:6; 18:15; 19:25; 28:2). Such a man will possess wise thoughts, and is deemed wise.
Proverbs 10:31 sheds more light on how we can be wise in our speech. It says, “The mouth of the just bringeth forth wisdom”. Just men are mentioned here as speaking wisely. The same is said about the virtuous woman of Proverbs 31 – “She openeth her mouth with wisdom” (v. 26a). A commitment to righteousness or virtue will help us dispel foolish and ungodly thoughts and attitudes, so that we may speak wisely.
We are also told in Proverbs that through much learning (cf. Proverbs 1:5; 16:21) and careful analysis (cf. Proverbs 14:8, 15; 16:21), we can obtain needful knowledge for wise speech. Proverbs 15:7a says, “The lips of the wise disperse knowledge”. Not only does he possess knowledge, he is also committed to using it to everyone’s benefit, unlike fools who use their knowledge to hurt others. “The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness” (Proverbs 15:2).
In order that we may know and speak the truth, the Book of Proverbs records the words of the wise. “Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge, that I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee?” (Proverbs 22:20-21). Biblical wisdom is absolute truth, and we should never doubt the veracity of its wisdom. God’s wisdom declares, “Hear; for I will speak of excellent things; and the opening of my lips shall be right things. For my mouth shall speak truth” (Proverbs 8:6-7a). It calls the readers to take heed of its excellent counsels, for they are truth.
If we utter a word that is contrary to the Scriptures, it is a lie, and hence deceitful. If we speak contrary to the truth of God’s wisdom, we become false witnesses and deceivers. So, we must uphold the wisdom of God’s Word in our conversations. Proverbs 12:17 says, “He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness; but a false witness deceit.” We must guard and guide our speech according to the true wisdom of His Word, lest we become false witnesses. When our words are based on the truth of His Word, we shall be faithful and righteous in our conversations and instructions. Otherwise, our speech will be deceitful.
Moreover, Proverbs 14:5 reminds us that “a faithful witness will not lie”. While commenting on this verse, Matthew Henry described a faithful witness as such: “He speaks truth and represents everything fairly, to the best of his knowledge, whether in judgment or in common conversation, whether he be upon his oath or no, he shows forth righteousness; he makes it to appear that he is governed and actuated by the principles and laws of righteousness, and he promotes justice by doing honour to it and serving the administration of it.” Proverbs 13:5a says, “A righteous man hateth lying”. The righteous man does not just avoid lies; he hates them!
Those who speak the truth according to God’s Word shall be a great blessing to those who hear them. Proverbs 14:25a says, “A true witness delivereth souls”. A man of integrity would endeavour to bring truth to light and rescue those who are injured by falsehood. Over and above, a faithful Christian who truly witnesses against sin and preaches the Gospel truths of Jesus Christ will be an instrument in God’s hand to deliver souls from eternal death. A truthful person, even if he is a child, can bring great joy to those around him. A father’s admonition in Proverbs 23:16 testifies to this blessing: “Yea, my reins shall rejoice, when thy lips speak right things.”
The words that a righteous man speaks are acceptable to God. Proverbs 10:32 says, “The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable: but the mouth of the wicked speaketh frowardness.” Unlike the wicked, the righteous man seeks to please God in his speech. He will not allow his mouth to speak any perverse thing, which is detestable to the holy God.
Hence, words that spring forth from the righteous will have the qualities that impart spiritual blessings. They will be helpful and life-giving. “The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life”, proclaims Proverbs 10:11. A righteous man’s words are depicted as “a well of life”. The Hebrew word for “well” (māqôr) is normally translated as “fountain” or “wellspring”. The picture is of a vibrant, bubbling fountain. The speech of the righteous is intellectually, emotionally, morally and spiritually rejuvenating to his hearers.
Not surprisingly, Proverbs 10:20a gives much praise to “the tongue of the just”, and says that it “is as choice silver”! Like the silver that is refined by the removal of dross, a just man would carefully refine his speech by removing every unacceptable word.
Furthermore, Proverbs 10:21 speaks of “the lips of the righteous”, which “feed many”. The Hebrew word for “feed” (rā˓â) indicates more than just “feeding”, as it occurs widely in connection with shepherding. Therefore, it can be said that the speech of the righteous does the work of a shepherd, such as guiding, leading, feeding, nursing, caring and guarding. Righteous words will nurture the hearers.
“Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones” (Proverbs 16:24). The Hebrew word translated as “pleasant” (nō˓am) occurs about seven times; and the King James Bible translated it as “beauty” four times, “pleasant” twice, and “pleasantness” once. The root form of this word is even used to refer to the beauty of the LORD (cf. Psalms 27:4; 90:17a). Here, pleasant words are compared to the sweet and healthy honeycomb. This comparison is meant to show us that pleasant words sweeten fellowship and restore troubled relationships.
Besides Proverbs 16:24, there are other passages in Proverbs that speak of pleasant words. Proverbs 16:21 says, “The wise in heart shall be called prudent: and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning.” Sweet words, which are the result of prudence, promote instruction in the sense that they make learning desirable. Before one opens his mouth to speak, there must be much forethought concerning the attitude and choice of words. This is further emphasised in Proverbs 16:23 – “The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips.” Prudence of heart is essential in developing pleasant speech.
Proverbs 27:9 also provides a similar instruction: “Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man’s friend by hearty counsel.” According to this verse, the “hearty counsel” adds sweetness to one’s speech. But what is hearty counsel? It is sincere and passionate advice given without any hidden agenda or deceit.
To sum it up, this thought is repeated in Proverbs 15:4, which says, “A wholesome tongue is a tree of life”. The words, “wholesome” (Proverbs 15:4) and “health” (Proverbs 16:24), are from the same Hebrew word (marpē˒). A wholesome tongue is a healing tongue, i.e. a conciliatory or appeasing tongue. This is compared to a “tree of life”, an emblem of a blessed and meaningful life.