PROVERBS 162006 Teaching by Jerry B Simmons

Teaching Transcript: Proverbs 16

You're listening to FerventWord, an online Bible study ministry with teachings and tools to help you grow deeper in your relationship with God. The following message was taught by Jerry Simmons in 2006. Proverbs chapter 16 this evening. Now, throughout the past couple weeks as we've been going through Proverbs, you know, you've gotten to hear a little bit about me and learn that I do not know how to cook, nor do I have a good sense of direction. I get lost where I go, but

And the point of those things is that if I have a recipe, then I can cook. And then I'm able to do what is laid out in front of me. If I have directions, though I might question them sometimes, I can drive and I can get to where I'm supposed to be going. And I remind you once again that wisdom is not about how smart we are or our intelligence or...

or anything of the sort, really. Wisdom is about taking God's principles for life, God's recipe for life, God's driving directions for you and I, and applying them, and going turn by turn with the Lord, and allowing Him to direct us, and speak to our hearts, and change the way that we live. And so as we look at Proverbs chapter 16 this evening, I want to continue to challenge you. As God has been giving us these principles for living,

How well do you put them into practice? How much do you live by these principles that he's been speaking to us? Do they change your life? Do they impact the way that you turn and the way that you go and the ingredients that you include in your life? It's so important for us that we allow these things to

Not just to go in our ear and into our head, but into our heart that it would change the way that we live. And so I want to encourage you to continue to have a surrendered heart to the Lord. Look for ways as he speaks these things to you to let them change your life and allow him to do the work that he wants to do.

Proverbs chapter 16, verse 1 says, Now we looked at this verse last week and we just covered a little bit talking about the preparation of the heart. Now I'll remind you that the heart is a very special treasure. Proverbs 16, verse 1 says,

Proverbs chapter 4 verse 23 tells us to keep your heart with all diligence for out of it spring the issues of life. Our heart is a special treasure because out of it comes every aspect of life and our heart affects every part of our life. And so Solomon tells us and God tells us,

I've given you this. I've given you charge of your heart. Take good care of it. Keep it in the Lord's hands. Keep it in the Lord's presence. Keep it in obedience to God. Because out of that, out of your relationship with God and where your heart is with God, springs all of the issues of life.

And if you're off in your relationship with the Lord, then everything else is going to be off as well. If you're perverted in that way, if you're off the path, if you're distracted, if you're discouraged, wherever your heart is will affect the rest of you.

of your life. God has given you charge of your heart. Yet it is deceitful and desperately wicked and that's why you must give it to the Lord continually. And it doesn't... I was talking with Harvey about this this week. You know, it doesn't get easier. There's always things that the Lord calls us to give to Him in our hearts. There's always areas that He wants to work on and...

And we have to work on those areas. And you think it'd be easy and over. Okay, I got that done. I got it wired. But then there's the next thing. And it's just as difficult to give up. And it's just as difficult to allow God. And we just hold on to those things. The preparations of the heart belong to man. It's your heart. Belongs to you. Give it up. Let those things go. Let the Lord do the work in your heart that he wants to do. You prepare it by giving it to him.

The proverb goes on, though, and he says the answer of the tongue is from the Lord. And so to you belong the preparations of your heart. It's your responsibility to get your heart right with God and to go into the presence of God and allow him to do the work. But the answer from your tongue or of your tongue or of the tongue is from the Lord.

Now, this does not say by any means that everything we say is what God would say. And that's not what he is saying. But the thing that Solomon is trying to point out and the thing we must remember is that God has designed it so that we cannot hide our heart. The preparation of the heart belongs to you. But the answer from Solomon

of the tongue is from the Lord because God has designed it in such a way that out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks. Luke chapter 6 verse 45, Jesus tells us this, a good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil for out of the abundance of the heart, his mouth speaks.

It's out of our heart that our mouth speaks. And so our mouth and what we speak and what we say, the conversations that we have is an indicator, a thermometer to tell us the temperature of our heart. It tells us exactly where we stand. The answer of the tongue is from the Lord in that God has designed it in such a way that what you and I speak and the words that we use, be they foul or sweet, are from our hearts.

So that we know where our hearts are. So that we can determine and we can recognize my heart is not right. And I need to go back and allow him to do a work in my heart. Verse 2. This is why it's so hard for us.

The whole idea of wisdom is receiving instruction and correction. But it's difficult for us to receive those things. It's difficult for us to be corrected and instructed because we already think that we're right. The ways of a man are pure in his own eyes. Now think about this with me for a second. Have you ever been surprised by your own heart? Have you ever been surprised about your own motives?

You know, maybe your spouse calls you on something and it kind of brings you to your senses. All of a sudden the fog and the haze is gone and you realize, I really am doing this with bad intentions, with wicked motivation. I really am doing this in a wrong way. Or maybe the Lord speaks to you. But suddenly you realize that you've been doing this and you're shocked by it.

It's because the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes. We always think we're right. Remember, as we shared last week and many times before, Jeremiah 17, 9, the thing that your heart is best at, there's a lot of things your heart is good at. There's a lot of values there that your heart can do. But the best thing that your heart can do is deceive you.

Be careful. The ways of a man are pure in his own eyes. And that's why it's so important for us to receive instruction, even if we don't think we need it. And I might be sharing these things about preparing the heart and you think, I don't need it. That's because your ways are pure in your own eyes. That's what I think until I read this and I have to be reminded, Lord, I need to give you my heart. My ways are pure in my own eyes. I always think I'm right. I always think, you know, the best of myself.

But I need to be challenged and changed by the word of God. I need to receive instruction and correction because God knows my heart and he knows my motives. And he's going to use his word to bring those things to light that I might give my heart to him. Verse three, commit your works to the Lord and your thoughts will be established. Do you want to see your thoughts established, the things that you hope for and think about?

Solomon says, commit everything that you do to the Lord, commit to live for him and to bring him glory. Paul told us in First Corinthians 1031, whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Commit your works to the Lord. Commit to do everything for his glory, for his sake, for him and not for yourself or anybody else.

Psalm 37 5 tells us to commit our way to the Lord. Trust also in him and he shall bring it to pass. He will establish the thoughts in your heart. The verse above that in Psalm 37 says delight yourself also in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. As we put our focus on the Lord, our hearts become aligned with his. Our will becomes aligned with his. Our thoughts become aligned with his heart.

And we get to see the pleasures, the desires, the thoughts of our heart established and fulfilled because we've come in line, in sync with the will of God and the word of God. Verse 4. The Lord has made all for himself, yes, even the wicked, for the day of doom. This is a challenging verse. What is he talking about? The Lord has made all for himself, or could also be translated for his own people.

response or his own answer or for his own purposes. And some will ask, all? Does that mean then that he has created the terrorists? He's created the murderers? Well, God is the creator and he has made every person and all things, but he does not make one person good and another person evil. That's not what Solomon is saying here. That's their personal choice. You and I

How we respond and how we live, we are accountable for. God does not make us that way. But even though a person chooses to walk in wickedness, the beauty of the plan of God and the awesomeness of his design is that he will use their choice to rebel against him and to live in wickedness for his own purposes. They're going to bring him glory one way or another.

People often say, I don't understand how a God of love could send people to hell. There's a big discussion we could have about that. But ultimately, we send ourselves by the way that we choose to live. But in the end, you don't have to understand now, but you will understand one day. We must realize that hell is just and it's right and it's fair and it will bring glory to God.

We can't maybe understand it now, but it will. All of his ways do. We will never be able to look back and say, God, you were not fair. That's not fair. That's not right. We might question him now, but with limited understanding. But one day we'll see things. We'll know even as we are fully known. And so the Lord has made all for himself or for his purposes. Yes, even the wicked for the day of doom. In 2 Peter 3.

Chapter two, I encourage you to read the entire chapter is dealing with false teachers. Peter is talking about these guys who are leading people astray. And as you think about these guys that are leading people astray and and the results and the ramifications of their activities, you can become incensed. You can become quite angry because they're leading people away from God. They're sending people to hell with false doctrine.

And so it's quite normal to be upset over those things. And Peter, in dealing with this issue, in 2 Peter 2, verse 9, he says, See, God has made all for His own purposes. No one can escape. And you can live life in wickedness,

But you're going to be reserved for judgment. And God is going to use your life, whether you like it or not, for his glory. To demonstrate his justice or his mercy. Your choice. To demonstrate his righteousness or his grace. Your choice. By how you respond to him and what he has done for you in sending his son, Jesus Christ. Verse 5. Everyone proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord. Though they join forces, none will go unpunished.

God hates pride. Absolutely, totally and completely hates it. Pride, as you know, is what caused Satan to fall. In Isaiah chapter 14, we read about it as well as Ezekiel chapter 28. Verse 17 of Ezekiel 28 says your heart was lifted up because of your beauty. He became proud and pride filled his heart.

Now, pride is the strongest offense to God. It's disgusting to him, an abomination to him, because pride is a complete rejection of God. Pride is looking to self and being self-fulfilled or thinking that we can do it ourselves. Turning from God and rejecting his help, his mercy, his plan, and just looking to our own hearts and our own thoughts.

Everyone proud and heart is an abomination to the Lord. Though they join forces, none will go unpunished. You can join forces. You can do your best to escape God's judgment, but you will not succeed. God is going to accomplish his purposes and he's going to fulfill his word. Even if you start a petition and have the entire world sign it, God's word is going to stand. Pride will be punished.

And so humble yourself and receive God's word. Receive his plan and his purpose. It's in your best interest. Verse six. This is a beautiful verse.

In mercy and truth, atonement is provided for iniquity. It's beautiful because Romans 3.23 tells us that we have all sinned. Every one of us, we're steeped in iniquity. It's a part of our lives. It's a part of our flesh. We're full of sin and sinful activities and thoughts and heart problems.

But in mercy and truth, atonement is provided for iniquity. Atonement means reparation for offense. It's the repairing of a relationship, the reconciliation that takes place. Sin separates us from God, but atonement repairs the relationship. And it's in mercy and truth that atonement is provided for. Now, mercy and truth, you need to know this is why confession is so important.

See, confession is more than just saying I sinned and it's not telling someone else that you sinned necessarily. But confession is agreeing with God about your sin. Confession, in other words, is to tell the truth about your sin. See, our ways are right in our own eyes. We just saw that.

And so we always have our ways of justifying things. Well, the reason why I threw this tantrum was because of this. And so I'm justified in this. I'm OK and I should be right in being able to act this way. Or I should be able to use those words. And we always have reasons why we sin. But to confess is to tell the truth. And the truth is I chose to.

To be disobedient. I chose to rebel against God. To agree with God, Lord, I sinned. I turned from you and I did what you told me not to do. But the interesting thing is, is when we do, when we tell the truth about our sin, when we confess and agree with God about our sin, we find his mercy. If we continue to insist that we're right and that there was reasons why we're justified, we won't find mercy. But if we will just confess

Just agree with him and tell him the truth about our sin. We will find his mercy. First John 1, 9 and 10 tells us if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar and his word is not in us. So stop fighting with God.

Stop trying to convince him that you have not sinned, that you're justified, that you're right about whatever it is that he's speaking to your heart, whatever he's speaking to you about. He's speaking to you about it because you've sinned. Just agree with him. Confess it to him and find his mercy. Atonement is provided for in mercy and truth. Of course, part of this process of confession is fearing God.

And here he tells us, by the fear of the Lord, one departs from evil. Not only do we agree with God and confess and tell Him the truth and find His mercy, but in fearing the Lord and walking with Him, we need to then depart from evil. You must turn from your sin. It's the proof that you fear God. It's the proof of a repentant heart. Verse 7, When a man's ways please the Lord, he makes even his enemies be at peace with him.

This is a good verse to meditate on as people are upset at you. Matthew 22, verses 35 through 40. Jesus tells us the two greatest commandments. He sums it all up and he says, everything is completed upon these two things, saying all the law and all the prophets. The first commandment, love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength. And the second, anybody know it?

Love your neighbor as yourself. If you love God and you love your neighbor, you will fulfill all the commandments. When a man's ways please the Lord, he makes even his enemies be at peace with him. When you love God and when you love your neighbor...

The results will be peace. When you walk in obedience to God, you'll have right relationship with God, but you'll also have right relationship with everyone around you. Even your enemies will be at peace with you, Solomon says. Now, this doesn't mean that life will be a bed of roses for you. Jesus was at peace with God and he was loving his neighbor as himself. And yet he was persecuted. He suffered and he died.

And so we should not mistake this to say that we'll have a blessed life and nothing bad will ever happen. We will suffer. We will experience persecution. Jesus promised it over and over again. But there's a difference between receiving persecution for Jesus' sake versus receiving persecution or having enemies because of our own selves and what we've done.

In 1 Peter 4, verses 14 and 15, Peter addresses this. He says, So if you suffer, if you're persecuted for Jesus' sake because of his name, you're blessed. You'll experience it, but you're blessed.

And don't worry about it. But verse 15, In other words, don't bring it upon yourself. Don't suffer persecution as a result of your own action, your own sinful conduct with those around you. When your heart's right with the Lord, even your enemies will be at peace with you. They might hate Christ within you, but they'll be at peace with you. Verse 8,

Better is a little with righteousness than vast revenues without justice. This is a theme that we see throughout this chapter and as well as the word of God. God is going to have his way. Justice will be done. It's better to have a little with righteousness than vast revenues without justice, Solomon says. It's better to be just now doing what is right and fair and be content with a little than

Then to amass to yourself vast riches, wealth, honor, prestige or whatever. You can cheat, rob, you can fudge numbers and get ahead, but you will experience justice in the end. God's not going to let that slide. You'll experience his justice. It doesn't matter how vast the revenue is. You cannot escape justice.

God's judgment. God's justice. You're not going to get away with it. So walk right with him now. And be content with what he's given to you. He's promised that he's going to provide for your every need. So do things right. Have integrity. And walk with God. Or do your best and cheat and steal and finagle. And then you'll experience God's justice in the end. Verse 9. A man's heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.

Another statement speaking to us of the power of God and that he reigns on high. He is on the throne. He's in control. His purposes and his plans are going to be accomplished. A man's heart plans his way, but it's the Lord who directs the steps. You can plot and you can plan and you should. Looking forward in your life and the rest of Proverbs talks about that in a way of

Not condemnation, but commendation. It's good. You're prudent if you think ahead, if you foresee and plan ahead. Think about and consider well your steps. But ultimately, you need to realize that it's the Lord who directs. It doesn't mean that you don't plan your way, but you just understand and accept that God is ultimately in control. James, in his book, warns us

against making plans without considering the Lord. In James 4, verses 13 through 17. There he tells us that to plan without considering the Lord is evil boasting. He talks about those who say, I'm going to go here and do this, and then I'm going to go here and do this, and

He says that's evil boasting. You need to say, if the Lord wills. Now, what he's talking about is more than just adding on a tagline at the end of everything. Okay, well, if the Lord wills. But, you know, I'm making these plans. But the understanding and the realization that my life is God's. And if it's God's will, then this is what I'm planning to do. And this is what I desire to do.

But if it's not his will, then I don't desire to do it any longer. And I will turn from those things. It's why we must commit our works to the Lord, because we're bringing ourselves into alignment with his will so that his plans can be our plans. Verse 10. Divination is on the lips of the king. His mouth must not transgress in judgment. Divination is

It can also be translated as an oracle or an oracle as from the Lord. All authority comes from God. All authority comes from God, good or bad. Jesus recognized this in John 19, 11, as he's standing before Pilate and Pilate's frustrated because Jesus isn't really cooperating. And he says, don't you know, I have the power to do.

crucify you, to have you be killed. I have the power to let you go or to put you to death. And Jesus said, hey, you can have no power at all against me if it hadn't been given to you from above.

God is the one who gives authority. All authority is from God. In Romans chapter 13, verse 1, Paul tells us, let every soul be subject to governing authorities, for there is no authority except from God. And the authorities that exist are appointed by God. It's given by God. All authority, big or small, government, employer, it's given to us by God.

And so he says divination is on the lips of the king because as the king speaks, having been given authority by God, it's God's word to you. It's difficult to grasp or it's difficult to be obedient when the government says, well, the speed limit is 65. But that's God's word to you. It's God's word to me. The boss says this, it's God's word to you. Of course, with the exception of if it's contrary to who God is, his characteristics and his word.

But it's given to us by God. And the things that are given to us by authorities in our lives are oracles from God. They're God's word to us. They're not mysteries. They're very clear. We need to be obedient to those things. The proverb goes on to say, His mouth must not transgress in judgment. Since the authority is speaking on God's behalf and speaking the oracles of God, they must not transgress in judgment and err in judgment. They must not pervert judgment.

And if they do, again, ultimately, God's justice will be done. It's not our responsibility. It's God's. He'll take care of it. Our responsibility is simply to be obedient. Verse 11. Honest weights and scales are the Lord's. All the weights in the bag are His work. Now, you probably know weights and scales were used for purchasing and trading in those days. He's talking about business transactions, right?

The things that take place in our life. Right, fair, ethical business practices are the Lord's. But dishonest and deceitful practices are an abomination to Him. We covered this in Proverbs 11.1 as well. It says, dishonest skills are an abomination to the Lord, but a just weight is His delight. When we do things right, when we do things uprightly, when we do things the right way, it's God's delight. But when we do things wrong...

Even if it's for a good end or good result, it's an abomination to the Lord. We need to walk right with God in all that we do. Verse 12. It is an abomination for kings to commit wickedness for a throne is established by righteousness. We have a couple of verses here. We looked at one, but there's a couple following as well. Dealing with kings and authorities.

And he says it's an abomination for kings to commit wickedness. Since all authority is given by God, it's an abomination for men to use that authority to commit wickedness. And unfortunately, there's many who use authority for wickedness. But again, in all things, justice will be done. God will take care of those for a throne is established in righteousness and God's throne is established because he is righteous and

And so righteousness will win. Justice will be done even for those unjust kings who commit wickedness. Verse 13, righteous lips are the delight of kings and they love him who speaks what is right. The authorities that God has placed there, their delight are righteous lips. They love those who speak what is right. The best thing for us to do is

The best thing that we can do for the authority that God has put over us is for us to speak the truth. Honesty is always the best principle in dealing with authority, be it the government or your boss.

Speak the truth and be honest. Be upright in all your practices. Verses 14 and 15. And so here we have the contrast between the king's wrath and the king's favor.

The favor and the wrath of the authority that God has placed in our life. Hey, when the king is upset, you better watch out because they have the power. They have the authority to inflict pain going on in Romans chapter 13. Paul warns us, hey, he doesn't carry the sword for nothing. There's that right to punish and to inflict pain. When the king is upset, watch out. But if you're wise, you will appease it.

When a man's ways are right with the Lord, even his enemies or his authorities are at peace with him. Do your best to serve those that God has given as authorities in your life. Be it the government, your boss, your parents, whoever. Serve them with all your heart. You will be blessed. It's what's best for you.

Romans 13 to Paul says, whoever resists the authority, resist the ordinance of God and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. You bring judgment on yourself. I bring judgment on myself when I resist authority, when I don't carry my insurance card, you know, when I'm not obedient to what I'm instructed by authorities. Stop fighting authority. You're fighting God. If you are just submit to it, receive it.

And serve those that God has placed in authority with all your heart. They represent the Lord to you. And the way that you serve them is the way that you serve the Lord. Verse 16. How much better to get wisdom than gold. And to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver. Gold and silver, they'll get you wonderful things in this life. It can purchase all kinds of wonderful toys.

But you know the best things that can be purchased and obtained in this life do not compare with wisdom and understanding. Do you believe that? Do you really believe wisdom and understanding is better than silver and gold? I challenge you to think about the way that you live. Do you live in a way that demonstrates that you believe wisdom and understanding are more important than money or possessions? What is your life devoted to more?

Possessions and money or wisdom and understanding? What are you doing to obtain possessions and gold and silver in your life? And what are you doing to obtain wisdom and understanding in your life? Proverbs chapter 2 verse 6 tells us, The Lord gives wisdom. From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. You and I, we need to make our relationship with God more important than anything else.

Because it's from him that we receive wisdom and understanding. And those things are far better and far greater than anything that this world has to offer. Verse 17. The highway of the upright is to depart from evil. He who keeps his way preserves his soul. Do you want to preserve your soul? Depart from evil. Stop living in sin. Turn from your wickedness.

God cries out this plea in Ezekiel chapter 33 verse 11. He says, As I live, says the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn, turn from your evil ways, for why should you die, O house of Israel?

God is pleading with us. He's calling to us and he's saying, turn, turn from your ways, depart from wickedness. The highway of the upright is to depart from evil. Yes, we sin, we fall short, but depart from it. You'll find yourself and the Lord will reveal to you the sinful state of your heart and then depart from it. That's the highway of the upright.

If you keep your weight, you will preserve your own soul. Whatever you need to do to get sin out of your life, do it. It is worth it because you'll be preserving your own soul. Verses 18 and 19. Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall. Better to be of a humble spirit with the lowly than to divide the spoil with the proud. Again, he addresses the issue of pride.

in our lives. Now, verse 18 is probably one of the most famous proverbs, although we usually quote it wrong. Pride goes before a fall, but pride goes before a destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall because God is opposed to the proud. James tells us as well as Peter, as well as proverbs and psalms. God is opposed to those who are full of themselves.

But he gives grace to the humble, those who will admit their need and rely upon him. Jesus said in Luke 11, 4, whoever exalts himself will be humbled and he who humbles himself will be exalted. If you're proud, self-reliant, self-sufficient, arrogant, you will be destroyed. Expect a fall. But if you humble yourself and rely upon God and allow him to instruct you and teach you and correct you and tell you what to do,

He's going to exalt you. You'll be blessed. You'll find the abundant life that he desires to give you. Verse 20. He who heeds the word wisely will find good. And whoever trusts in the Lord, happy is he. This is another great verse to meditate on. He who heeds the word wisely will find good. This is what we're talking about. All of these things, these principles, applying them to our lives. He who heeds the word wisely will find good.

He who takes these things and considers them and puts them into practice in their life will find good. And whoever trusts in the Lord to accomplish His word and His principles and be faithful to the things that He said, happy is he. If you want goodness, if you want happiness, if you want abundant, joyful, wonderful life, take heed to God's word. Live by it. Let it

Tell you where to turn. How fast to go. Let it tell you what ingredients to include in your life. Let it have a say in every aspect of your life. Wisdom is not how smart you are, but it's how well you take heed to the Word. It's how well you take these things and live by them. If you and I will learn to be obedient to the Word, if we'll apply these principles, we'll find good things.

We'll find peace and joy and happiness. Don't be mistaken. God wants to give you abundant life. That's what Jesus said in John 10.10. The thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy. That's what this world and that's what the enemy will do to you. But Jesus came that you would have abundant life, that you would take heed to the word, that he would bless you abundantly. And so he tells us, be obedient to his word. Trust in him.

It can be hard because God's ways are not our ways. And so they don't always make sense to us. But that's okay. We just need to be obedient and trust him to be faithful to his word. Verses 21 through 23. The wise in heart will be called prudent and sweetness of the lips increases learning. Understanding is a wellspring of life to him who has it. But the correction of fools is folly. The heart of the wise teaches his mouth.

And adds learning to his lips. Again, Jesus said in Luke 6.45, Out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks. Your heart will be clear to others by how you speak. And so the wise in heart will be called prudent. The sweetness of lips increases learning. To a wise heart, instruction and correction is sweet. It's the wellspring of life. But a foolish heart hates prudence.

correction instruction is it it counts it as foolishness what is the state of your heart do you receive correction how do you receive instruction how well do you receive these things and put them into practice sweetness of the lips increases learning understanding is the wellspring of life but the correction of fools is folly the heart of the wise again the heart the state of your heart teaches his mouth

The way that your heart is is going to affect the way that you speak and it adds learning to his lips. We need to give God our hearts because out of it spring all the issues of life.

Out of it come the words out of our mouth that indicate, that show where we stand with God, where our hearts are with Jesus Christ. Verse 24. Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones. Continuing on this passage,

idea and this understanding of the importance of our words, the connection between wisdom, the state of our heart, and the words that we speak. Because out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks. Luke 6.45 What are your words like? Are your words sweet or sour? Do you bring health or decay by the things that you speak? Pleasant words are like a honeycomb. Sweetness to the soul and health to the bones.

It's a good prayer for us that the Lord would make our lips sweet, that people would enjoy being around us, that they would be refreshed and encouraged by the things that we speak. It's easy for us to be destructive with our tongues because they're powerful weapons. James goes through great detail in that in James chapter 3. But we must not use our tongues as weapons. Now personally, I must admit, by nature...

I am good at using my tongue as a weapon. Man, I loved it in junior high, you know, when the popular thing to do was to see who could come, you know, with the quickest comeback and cut down the other person and you just bag on each other the whole time. I don't know if they still call it bagging on each other, but they did in junior high. I'm cynical. I'm sarcastic. I'm wonderful at using my tongue for destruction. Some people are not like that by nature. They're sweet and bubbly, but whatever our natural tendency is, we must learn to have pleasant words

Like a honeycomb. Ephesians 4.29 Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification that it may impart grace to the hearers. I know I quote it often, but for me to tell you the same things is not tedious for you and for me it's safe. We need to know that our words are so important that they tell us where our heart stands, that we would take our heart back to the Lord and allow Him to change it.

Verse 25, there is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death. Similar to what we looked at earlier, the ways are pure in his own eyes. There's ways that seem right to you, but the end of it is the way of death. Now, by a show of hands, it's not bad, don't worry. How many of you have ever thought that you were right about something and then found out that you were wrong? Anybody? Okay.

All of us, right? Every one of us have had those experiences where we thought we were right about something and we find out, I guess I wasn't so right. And sometimes it's things that we, you know, firmly said, no, I know I'm right. And then we find out, oh, I guess I'm wrong. Although maybe we won't verbalize that because it's difficult to say, but...

That's why we cannot lean upon our own understanding. That's why we must trust the Lord with all our heart and acknowledge him in all our ways, because then he will direct our path. There's a way that seems right to us, but we need to realize we can't trust that just because it seems right to us doesn't mean that it's right. We can't lean on our own understanding, but we must acknowledge him in all our ways, trust in him with all of our heart.

That he might direct our path. You and I, we must be students of the word of God because this is the book that's sharper than any double-edged sword. It can discern the thoughts and intents of the heart. And even though I seem right, very clearly God shows me where I'm wrong.

And I must turn to him continually, looking to him to direct my paths. Not my own understanding, not what I think is right. Let the word of God direct your life and you will find life. But if you reject it and do what seems right to you, you will find that in the end, it's the way of death. Verse 26, the person who labors, labors for himself, for his hungry mouth drives him on.

It's a God-given principle. Hunger is a powerful motivator. So parents, learn these things. No, I'm just kidding. This is the way that God intends it to be. Genesis 3.19, God told Adam, by the sweat of your face you shall eat bread. Paul told us in 2 Thessalonians 3.10, if a man doesn't work, he doesn't eat. It's for ourselves. It's for our benefit that we work and labor. Work hard, eat well, be blessed.

It's the way God designed it to be. Verse 27, an ungodly man digs up evil and it is on his lips like a burning fire. Again, speaking about our words. This is a verse we must all consider. Do I dig up evil? An ungodly man digs up evil. And you get the picture. You understand the point. Digging in, searching out, looking for something to tell someone else.

And there's some that seem to have the gift of digging up evil. But here's what God says. An ungodly man digs up evil. You know, we consider gossip as such a little thing many times. But the reality is it's done by ungodly people and it's a destructive fire. Love covers a multitude of sins. Proverbs 10, 12 tells us.

It covers all sin. Love covers. Ungodliness digs up. It digs up evil, but then it spreads it. It is on his lips like a burning fire. James chapter 3 verse 6. James tells us the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is also set among our members that it defiles the whole body and sets on fire the course of nature and it is set on fire by hell. It's the tongue of the ungodly. It's the way of the gossip.

The slanderer. Digging up evil. Searching it out to spread it. It's destructive. It's ungodly. Be careful the way that you live. Verse 28 continues the same thought. A perverse man sows strife and a whisperer separates the best of friends. Ungodliness and perversity. If you're one who likes to stir the pot and cause lots of problems, know that God calls you perverse. God calls it ungodliness.

Stop gossiping, slandering, spreading rumors, digging up evil. Stop sowing strife and causing problems and separating the best of friends. Again, Ephesians 4.29, Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. Anything else is an abomination to the Lord. It's disgusting to Him. It's ungodliness and perversion. Verse 29 and 30,

A violent man entices his neighbor and leads him in a way that is not good. He winks his eye to devise perverse things. He purses his lips and brings about evil. Sometimes it's difficult or painful to think about how many times we have led others astray, how we taught them to lie or to be involved in things that were not good. But now we have the opportunity to lead others in the right path.

Jesus told us in Matthew 28, 20, he tells us, go and make disciples. But then he says, teaching them to observe all the things that I've commanded you. He's given us a second chance. We've led others astray, but now you have the opportunity to teach others all the things that I've commanded you, Jesus said. Go and lead them in the right path. Show them the right direction. Show them how to walk with God. Verse 31, the silver haired head is a crown of glory.

If it is found in a way of righteousness. Any silver haired heads in here? Just Harvey, huh? I like to tease Harvey because I think he's the oldest person I know. There's much wisdom found in many years. And especially those who are in the way of righteousness. You know, take advantage of those people in your life. Look to them for counsel and wisdom. Let them share with you what they have learned by walking with God.

There's great value in that. It's a crown of glory. Believe God at his word. Verse 32. He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty. And he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city. Self-control. It's better than being a mighty warrior. Self-control. It's better than being a successful business person or anything else. We have all these things in this life that we consider as accomplishments. Financial success. Prosperity.

Grammy Awards or Oscars or whatever. All these things that we consider as accomplishments. But God says, you know, the one who is slow to anger, the one who rules his spirit is better than the best of the best of the best. God would rather us have self-control than anything else. If you're a good business person with a bad temper, you've got things backwards.

If you've got great success in certain areas, but you do not know how to rule your spirit, you do not have self-control, you've got things backwards. Self-control is a fruit of the spirit. And so if you do not have self-control, be warned. You're not walking in the spirit. God wants to give you self-control. He wants that to be a part of your life. He wants that fruit to be evident. And you better get things right. You better get your priorities straight.

Get self-control. First and foremost, learn to walk in the Spirit, to walk with God, and allow Him to have His way in your heart. The final verse, verse 33. The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord. You can cast lots, draw straws, throw dice, whatever. But God will still have His way. Its decision is from the Lord. Every number that's called out in bingo, every lottery winner,

Everything that happens on the freeway, there's an accident, you're an hour late to work. That decision was from the Lord. Everything is in God's control. I always share this with people. If it's not in your control, it's in God's control. Don't worry about it. Stop worrying about it. Receive it. God knows what he's doing. Look for him to work and to be glorified through it. His will is going to be accomplished. It will be done no matter what. As random as you try to make it, he's still going to have his way.

God is on the throne. This evening we've seen so many things in these 33 verses. Many principles that we've seen before and many that we'll see time and time again. But they're things that God is desiring to speak to your heart. And what we need to remember and what we need to know is that if we take heed to his word, we'll find good.

And if we trust him to be faithful to those things as we apply them to our lives, we'll find happiness and joy in the life that he has intended for us. He's going to have his way ultimately. His will will be done. The unjust will be brought to justice and the just will bring glory to God as they walk with him. Either way, you're going to bring glory to God whether you apply these things now or run from them now.

You're going to bring glory to his name. But what's best for you is for you to take these things, to guard your tongue, to give him your heart, to get rid of pride and all the other things that he's been speaking to you. It's best for you to take these things and apply them to your life. Let's pray. Heavenly Father, thank you for your principles, Lord, for what you teach us. Lord, our ways are right in our own eyes. We wouldn't know that we were wrong.

sinful. We wouldn't know what sin was if it wasn't for you and your word. So Lord, we thank you for revealing to us our own hearts, for speaking to us and dealing with these areas and issues that we might turn to you and allow you to work in our hearts. God, we give you our hearts in those areas that you're speaking to us. We ask, Lord, that you would transform us by the power of your spirit. Lord, we confess to you and agree with you about the sin that you're revealing to us in our lives.

Lord, we thank you that it's in mercy and truth that atonement is provided for, that we have right standing with you, not because of what we've done. Lord, if that were the case, we'd all be lost because we fail at applying these principles and living this way. But God, we thank you that it's through your son, Jesus Christ. Lord, as Richard reminded us earlier, thank you, Lord. Blessed are we because our transgressions are forgiven. Our sin is covered because of what you did at the cross.

And so, Lord, we turn to you, we give you our hearts, and we ask for strength, for help, for your Spirit, that we might walk with you and apply these things to our lives. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.