In what ways can we discern "lips of knowledge" in our community? Verse for Study Proverbs 20:15: “There is gold and abundance of rubies, but lips of knowledge are a rare treasure.” Meaning of “lips of knowledge” • “Lips” point to speech—the steady, everyday flow of words • “Knowledge” (Hebrew daʿat) carries the idea of wisdom rooted in God’s revelation, not mere data • Together, the phrase refers to people whose words consistently align with God’s truth, bring clarity, and lead others toward righteousness Why They Matter More Than Gold and Rubies • Material wealth is temporary (Proverbs 23:5) • Wise speech shapes hearts and destinies (Proverbs 18:21) • God values truthful, edifying words above possessions (Matthew 12:36–37; Ephesians 4:29) Scriptural Hallmarks of Knowledge-Filled Lips • Anchored in Scripture – “The lips of the wise spread knowledge” (Proverbs 15:7) – “Your word is truth” (John 17:17) • Marked by righteousness – “The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom” (Proverbs 10:31) • Controlled and restrained – “A man of knowledge restrains his words” (Proverbs 17:27) – “Everyone must be quick to listen, slow to speak” (James 1:19) • Gracious and peace-loving – “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt” (Colossians 4:6) – “Wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving” (James 3:17) • Fruitful for building others up – “Only what is helpful for building up” (Ephesians 4:29) – “Whoever refreshes others will be refreshed” (Proverbs 11:25) Practical Ways to Discern “Lips of Knowledge” in the Community 1. Compare statements with Scripture • Like the Bereans who “examined the Scriptures daily” (Acts 17:11) 2. Observe life consistency • Speech and conduct should match (1 Timothy 4:12) 3. Look for humility and teachability • “With the humble is wisdom” (Proverbs 11:2) 4. Assess the fruit produced • Edification, peace, repentance, and joy are reliable indicators (Galatians 5:22–23) 5. Note willingness to correct in love • “Faithful are the wounds of a friend” (Proverbs 27:6) 6. Pay attention to tone and timing • “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver” (Proverbs 25:11) Cultivating Knowledge-Filled Lips in Ourselves • Abide in God’s word daily (Psalm 1:2) • Pray for wisdom and a guarded mouth (Psalm 141:3) • Practice listening before speaking (Proverbs 18:13) • Speak truth in love, avoiding gossip and slander (Ephesians 4:15, 31) • Surround yourself with other wise believers (Proverbs 13:20) • Regularly confess and turn from careless words (1 John 1:9) By measuring speech against these biblical standards and patterns, it becomes clear whose words in the community bear the mark of rare, God-given treasure. |
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