How can Proverbs 20:15 guide our conversations to reflect godly wisdom? A Rare Treasure to Seek “There is gold and an abundance of rubies, but lips of knowledge are a rare treasure.” Why God Calls Wise Words a Treasure • Gold and rubies are precious, yet God ranks “lips of knowledge” higher • Spoken wisdom displays the riches of Christ in us (Colossians 2:3) • Treating the verse literally secures confidence that godly speech is never ordinary currency; it is heaven’s wealth placed on our tongues Recognizing the Marks of “Lips of Knowledge” • Truthful — never bending facts (Ephesians 4:25) • Edifying — “building up” rather than tearing down (Ephesians 4:29) • Seasoned with grace — pleasant and persuasive (Colossians 4:6) • Peace-loving and pure — mirroring the wisdom from above (James 3:17) Practical Steps to Shape Everyday Conversation 1. Prepare the heart – Fill the mind with Scripture daily (Psalm 119:11) – Invite the Lord to set a guard over your mouth (Psalm 141:3) 2. Pause before speaking – Ask silently: “Will these words honor Christ?” – Remember Proverbs 10:19: “When words are many, sin is not absent.” 3. Pursue clarity and kindness – Aim for words fitly spoken, “like apples of gold in settings of silver” (Proverbs 25:11) – Replace sarcasm or cynicism with sincere encouragement (Proverbs 16:24) 4. Practice accountability – Welcome gentle correction from mature believers (Proverbs 27:6) – Review conversations at day’s end, confessing any careless speech (1 John 1:9) Cultivating an Inner Well of Wisdom • Keep company with the wise (Proverbs 13:20) • Meditate on Christ’s own words; He spoke “grace poured upon [His] lips” (Psalm 45:2) • Memorize key verses on speech (Proverbs 15:1; 17:27; James 1:19) Blessings That Flow from Knowledge-Filled Lips • Unity grows in families and churches (Psalm 133:1) • Witness shines brighter; unbelievers “recognize that we have been with Jesus” (Acts 4:13) • Personal joy increases: “A man finds joy in giving an apt reply” (Proverbs 15:23) Living the Verse Today Gold and rubies may glitter, yet God counts wise words as rarer still. Let Proverbs 20:15 remind every conversation to be an opportunity to present that priceless treasure—truth spoken in love, seasoned with grace, anchored in the unfailing Word of God. |
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