From the fruit of their lips people enjoy good things,
but the unfaithful have an appetite for violence.
Summary: What we say becomes the “fruit” of our lips. The kind of fruit that comes from our mouths speaks volumes about the kind of people we are.
During World War II, there was a saying that went, “Loose lips sink ships.” It was a way of encouraging people to be careful about the information they shared. If a sailor sent a letter home and mentioned where the ship was sailing to, that information could help the enemy find them. If the person they sent the letter to had “loose lips” that meant that they were prone to talk without thinking. If they talked to someone who wanted to help the enemy, then the ship would be in danger of being attacked and sunk.
During the war, the fruit of “loose lips” could be the death of hundreds of sailors and losing a ship. Today we are in a different kind of war. It is a spiritual war between the forces of evil and the people of God.
In this war, words matter. Words are the representation of what is in our hearts. Our hearts determine whose side of the war we serve.
When Solomon describes people enjoying “good things” he is speaking of a certain kind of people. Remember, his whole purpose is to help us understand the difference between the wicked and the righteous; those who want to serve Satan and those who serve God.
Throughout Proverbs, he has told us about the behaviors of each, the fruit of righteousness, and the fruit of the wicked. Good things come to those who serve God. Violence comes to those who have an appetite for it.
Application: Count your blessings.
Food for Thought: What are the different kinds of violence that Solomon might have had in mind?
It is interesting that the Hebrew word is hamas. According to Strong’s, it refers to violence, wrongdoing or being malicious. I think Solomon might have had a pretty broad range in mind. Physical violence for sure, but also any malicious intent or action may be in mind in this context.
Rich,
There certainly is a connection between malicious intent and malicious action. Sometimes malicious words from one person can lead another to engage in malicious actions. (We are seeing some of that in the news these days.)
07-31-2022, Proverbs 13:2, What are the different kinds of violence that Solomon might have had in mind?
Proverbs 18:2 Tells us, A closed-minded fool does not delight in understanding, But only in revealing his personal opinions, unwittingly displaying his self-indulgence and his stupidity.
Jesus tells us, But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.
Matthew 12:36-38
Adolf Hitler, Vladimir Lenin, Mao Tse-tung, Ho Chi Minh are only a few men in modern history that demonstrated the power of words. These men were not known for their personal acts of violence, but for the words of their hearts which drove others to commit acts of never before seen acts of violence.
The same holds true today as people lie, gossip, pass judgement, plan evil against others, seek to destroy good and truth as they elevate ungodly living, seek to validate themselves by thinking numbers matter as they indoctrinate our young, gathering followers who will prefer satisfaction of their flesh over LIFE in holiness through humility in Christ.
Today we are seeing the words of Jesus in Mark 7:21-22 being fulfilled.
For it is from within, out of a person’s heart, that evil thoughts come—sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly.
Ron,
I apologize for your comment getting sidelined in the spam filter today!
I appreciate your point, too. You have given us excellent real-world examples of the power of words to inspire evil actions in others.
Ron I was thinking the same thing but I didn’t have your words to say it like you did.
Violence talk? It’s not what goes into a man’s mouth that makes him unclean?
Amen