Proverbs 11: King James Bible
Build Up or Tear Down – Daily Devotion of Proverbs chapter eleven, Verses 11-13
11 By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted: but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked. 12 He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbor: but a man of understanding holdeth his peace. 13 A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.
Daily Inspiration from These Verses – Build Up or Tear Down
Here is another handful of verses, focusing on things that come out of the mouth. We can build up or tear down, despise or hold our peace, reveal secrets or conceal a matter. I suppose it all depends on what kind of person we strive to be, or whether or not we care about being viewed as a good steward in the eyes of the Father.
Should there be anyone that takes issue on the idea, that the things that come out of our mouths matter, make a difference, and count, may want to take a good long look at verse 11. We’ve got two sides at play. The upright on one side, and the wicked on the other.
This is talking about the rise and fall of a city. But there is something that is missing from this verse, and noticing what isn’t mentioned may open our eyes a little to who this verse is talking to.
What’s missing, is the mention of the leadership of the city. Now, there are verses elsewhere, that do mention the heart conditions of rulers in Proverbs, but here, we’re given the upright and the wicked.
It’s the citizens that are being spoken about in that verse, not making any mention at all about its leadership. My personal belief is, that the Lord takes notice of these matters, and will install leadership that the people deserve one way or the other, but to achieve an end, that will one day serve his greater purpose for the people of that city (whatever that purpose might be).
And that purpose might greatly depend on the volume of who’s speaking blessings, and who’s speaking curses. And that is my personal opinion, certainly not a thus sayeth the Lord kind of thing. I think of the conversation that the Lord had with Samuel concerning the people of Israel wanting a King. The Lord did what they wished, though it was he they rejected as their King.
He even said to Samuel (paraphrasing), it’s not you they’ve rejected as Judge, but me they’ve rejected as their King. And they received what they asked for, for better and for worse. And unfortunately for the nation of Israel, it wasn’t long before they were split into two different kingdoms, fallen into idolatry, serving other gods, and taken as slaves.
It is my belief, that this wouldn’t necessarily have happened if the people didn’t speak up against doing things by the manner that the Lord established, and wanted to do things the way other nations were doing them.
But again, that’s just my opinion. What we say matters, and if the Word of God is true in the verses above, even what we say about where we live can have a positive or negative impact on our surroundings.
Related New Testament Scripture
Matthew 12: King James Bible
37 For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.
Acts 10: King James Bible
44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
1 Timothy 4: King James Bible
6 If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.
1 Timothy 6: King James Bible
3 If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; 4 He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, 5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.
Prayer
Father,
Thank you for giving us power in our words, and giving us the heads up through your Word, about the kind of impact our words have. Should we be found misusing this gift that we typically wind up taking for granted, please convict our hearts, that we may remember you, repent, and do things in a manner that is more pleasing to you. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ we pray.
Amen
Question
Do you choose to build up or tear down, with the things that you say?
Excellent reminder of what we speak and the power of the tongue. Thank you my friend!
Hi Margaret,
It’s my pleasure. Thanks for the comment and God bless you in Jesus name!
Brian