In what ways can we avoid the "folly" mentioned in Proverbs 15:7? The Verse in Focus “ ‘The lips of the wise spread knowledge, but not so the hearts of fools.’ ” (Proverbs 15:7) Understanding the Contrast - Wise people have mouths that “spread” (literally, “scatter abroad”) the knowledge they possess. - Fools possess hearts that withhold or corrupt truth, producing emptiness rather than edification. - The “folly” to avoid, then, is a heart–mouth disconnect: claiming to know God while failing to share or live His truth. Ways to Avoid the Folly 1. Cultivate a Heart Saturated with Truth • Receive Scripture as inerrant, allowing it to shape convictions (Psalm 19:7–9). • Meditate daily: “Your word I have hidden in my heart that I might not sin against You.” (Psalm 119:11) 2. Embrace Humble Teachability • “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge.” (Proverbs 1:7) • Invite correction; resist the pride that keeps fools from learning (Proverbs 15:5). 3. Guard Your Speech • Speak only what builds up (Ephesians 4:29). • Slow down before responding (James 1:19) so words reflect the wisdom stored inside. 4. Share the Knowledge You Gain • Wise lips “spread knowledge”; keep truth moving, not bottled up. • Discipleship, testimony, and encouraging conversations prevent stagnation (2 Timothy 2:2). 5. Align Actions with Words • Hypocrisy nullifies any knowledge we claim to possess (James 1:22). • Let integrity back every statement, proving wisdom genuine (Proverbs 20:7). Practical Steps for Daily Life - Start each morning with a short passage, asking, “How can I pass this on today?” - Memorize one verse each week, then weave it naturally into conversation. - Keep a gratitude journal—thankfulness trains the tongue toward edifying speech. - When tempted to share gossip or cynicism, pause and pray through Psalm 19:14. - Pair up with a trusted believer for mutual exhortation; accountability keeps hearts soft. Encouragement from Other Scriptures - Proverbs 10:21: “The lips of the righteous feed many, but fools die for lack of understanding.” - Colossians 4:6: “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt…” - Matthew 12:34: “For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.” - Philippians 2:15–16: “Shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life…” God’s unchanging Word makes it possible to trade foolish hearts for wise lips. As knowledge fills the heart and flows through the mouth, the folly of Proverbs 15:7 is left behind and Christ-honoring wisdom takes its place. |
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