150. Pursuing And Having The Right Words, Part II (Proverbs 16:22-24)

10/22/2023

Turn with me to Proverbs 16:20-24. These are our verses to finish studying and memorizing this week.

Proverbs 16:20-24 He who gives attention to the word will find good, And blessed is he who trusts in the LORD. 21 The wise in heart will be called understanding, And sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness. 22 Understanding is a fountain of life to one who has it, But the discipline of fools is folly. 23 The heart of the wise instructs his mouth And adds persuasiveness to his lips. 24 Pleasant words are a honeycomb, Sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.

Introduction

In our larger section of proverbs surrounding these ones we are looking at wisdom for living on the highway of the righteous. Verses 16-19 gave us the introduction. It declared the all-surpassing value of wisdom, the key behavior of departing from evil, and the essential characteristic of humility for those on this highway.

Now in verses 20-30 we are looking at wisdom for our mouth and words. The first 5 verses look at the words that the people on the highway of the upright pursue and have. The middle verse then warns that there is a way of life which can seem right when in reality it is “the way of death.” After that the last 5 verses picture the evil mouths of people on that “way of death.”

Last time we began to look at the chiasm found in verses 20-24. Verse 20 and 24 form the matching outer band of the chiasm. They focus on “the word” and “words” as well as with the blessings that come from them. Verses 21 and 23 form the next matching ring of the chiasm. The “wise” in “heart” are referred to in both verses, as well as the kind of speech that is “persuasive.” The middle verse, 22, is the center of the chiasm. While all of the verses are important, this one has an extra emphasis in the structure of the chiasm. It focuses on the fountain of life—God’s eternal life—which comes from gaining this understanding. The wisdom that we are learning here in Proverbs has ramifications far beyond just the here and now. It is a never-ending source of life.

With that overview of our passage, let’s take a closer look now at verses 22-24.

22 Understanding is a fountain of life to one who has it, But the discipline of fools is folly.

True wisdom leads one to continual good—all the way to eternal life. But to a fool even discipline is worthless.

There is a multi-faceted word play going on here with the word for “understanding.” First, a verb form of it is found in verse 20 where we were told that “He who gives attention to the word will find good.” From that earlier use it can be seen that God’s Word is directly in view here. The wisdom that we learn by applying God’s Word to our situation is being pictured as being a fountain of life. God’s Word applied to our lives brings good by continually breathing God’s life into those circumstances.

Secondly, a future verb tense of this word is used in the next verse (23) as being what will instruct the mouth of the wise person. There is a strong progression here that occurs. By giving this wise attention to God’s Word and trusting God for what it teaches, it becomes a fountain of life to the one who gains this understanding. As it dwells within us, it affects our words. It imparts understanding (God’s wisdom) to our mouths. We are taught by it how to live and how to speak. We learn how to teach others well. This understanding impacts and brings God’s blessing of good upon every area of our lives.

Thirdly, all of this connects back historically to a foundational event in biblical history. This word for understanding, insight, or wisdom is the same word for what Eve thought that the tree of the knowledge of good and evil would give to her in Genesis 3:6.

Genesis 3:6 When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was desirable to make one wise, she took from its fruit and ate; and she gave also to her husband with her, and he ate. (Bold emphasis added; italics original)

Sadly, that tree, far from being a fountain of life to them, ended up being a source of death. Their disobedience to God brought destruction. By contrast, we find out here in Proverbs 16:22 that this understanding will actually become a fountain of life to us. What we are being taught in this proverb is that this is the path to reversing the curse from the garden of Eden. By giving attention to God’s Word and trusting the Lord (16:20) God leads us to His fountain of life.

People have searched the world over for immortality or the fabled fountain of life, when all along Scripture has told us exactly where it is. It is right here in the Word of God. The blessing of trusting in the Lord and giving attention to His Word is not just that we will have some nebulous good. No, this is the path of reconciliation with God, of redemption from our sin, of restoration to life—eternal life. That is how important this understanding, this insight, this wisdom of God is.

On the other side of this proverb, we are told that the discipline of fools is folly. God’s Word, through faith in Him, leads us to eternal life. But the sad reality is that for the fool who denies God we can instruct them with this wisdom until we are blue in the face. But it will do them no good. The fool is too hardened in his foolishness to be swayed or changed by anything. It does not matter what discipline or correction is given. It is pointless. They will not heed it. It is foolish to continue instructing someone who is determined to turn away from the truth.

In the end, those who turn from God’s wisdom have no hope for them. There is salvation nowhere else. God’s way of redemption through Jesus Christ is the only way that our sins can be atoned for and forgiven. Likewise, God’s wisdom is the only right way for living out His redeemed way of life. If we despise that there is nothing good left for us in eternity.

Scriptural Example: When we look to Scripture for an example of this proverb we see one in Jesus’ life and teaching in Matthew 13:10-17. In the chapter right before this Jesus had done yet another miracle. But this time the religious leaders conspired how they might destroy Him. They ended up blaspheming against the Holy Spirit by attributing the works of Jesus to Satan (instead of to God’s Spirit). After that Jesus began teaching in parables. His disciples noticed the change and asked Him about it.

Matthew 13:10-17 And the disciples came and said to Him, “Why do You speak to them in parables?” 11 Jesus answered them, “To you it has been granted to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been granted. 12 “For whoever has, to him more shall be given, and he will have an abundance; but whoever does not have, even what he has shall be taken away from him. 13 “Therefore I speak to them in parables; because while seeing they do not see, and while hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. 14 “In their case the prophecy of Isaiah is being fulfilled, which says, ‘YOU WILL KEEP ON HEARING, BUT WILL NOT UNDERSTAND; YOU WILL KEEP ON SEEING, BUT WILL NOT PERCEIVE; 15 FOR THE HEART OF THIS PEOPLE HAS BECOME DULL, WITH THEIR EARS THEY SCARCELY HEAR, AND THEY HAVE CLOSED THEIR EYES, OTHERWISE THEY WOULD SEE WITH THEIR EYES, HEAR WITH THEIR EARS, AND UNDERSTAND WITH THEIR HEART AND RETURN, AND I WOULD HEAL THEM.’ 16 “But blessed are your eyes, because they see; and your ears, because they hear. 17 “For truly I say to you that many prophets and righteous men desired to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.

Jesus wanted His true disciples to have the wisdom of His understanding—with the fountain of life that it brought. But it had gotten to a point where it was foolishness to continue focusing on the religious leaders. So Jesus continued to teach, but He did it in a way that focused on those God was calling to Himself. To those who see and understand there is indeed a blessing from God to have this wisdom. But for the foolish who are hardened in their opposition to God and to the truth of His wisdom all that awaits them is their blindness and the consequences of their sin. Part of God’s judgment on people is withdrawing the truth, Himself, from them. He allows them to go off into the depravity of their choices and deception. Then they reap the consequences of that foolishness.

Proverb in Comparison: When we compare this proverb with the rest of Scripture we see this exact same expression “a fountain of life” used recently in Proverbs 14:27. When we studied it then we noted that in Jeremiah this is a description that God gives of Himself. Twice, in Jeremiah 2:13 and 17:13, God says that the people have forsaken Him, “the fountain of living water(s).” Instead of trusting Him they were trusting in “broken cisterns that can hold no water.” We also saw from Psalm 36:9 that with God “is the fountain of life;” and “In Your light we see light.” The wisdom that God gives in His Word leads people to Himself. God is the source of life and is its very sustenance.

In addition to all that, though, this reference to a fountain is also used in Zechariah 13:1. This chapter is a prophecy referencing a time that is still future from us even now. In Zechariah 12, right before this, it talks about all nations being gathered against Israel. It tells us that God will Himself eventually intervene and destroy all the nations that comes against them. He will pour out His spirit of grace on Israel, open their eyes, and they will finally look on their Messiah whom they pierced. They will mourn. They will all finally come to a true understanding of who Jesus is and why He came. This is what Paul refers to in Romans 11 when He says that one day all Israel will be saved. In light of all that Zechariah 13:1 then says this:

Zechariah 13:1 “In that day a fountain will be opened for the house of David and for the inhabitants of Jerusalem, for sin and for impurity.

As they come to understand the wisdom and work of God, as they treasure and believe in God’s Word, as they trust in Jesus alone for their salvation from sin God opens up His fountain of life for them. Jesus is the only way that sins and impurities can be cleansed, whether for them, or for us. Only in His atoning work on the cross can we receive the righteousness that we all desperately need. We must place our trust in the Lord for His way of forgiveness. This is the understanding that we must have to receive this fountain of life.

Truth in Connection: As we connect this to our lives it is very important to notice the last part of that phrase in Proverbs 16:22. “Understanding is a fountain of life to one who has it.” Not everyone has it. Do you have this wisdom? Have you received this understanding and placed your trust in God for this life from Him? In John 14:6 Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.” We must go to Him in faith. We cannot trust in ourselves or our understanding for life, for forgiveness of sins, or for some kind of supposed righteousness. It is found in Jesus alone. Have you trusted in Him? Trust Him today!

There is something else here worth pointing out for those who have already trusted in Jesus. To my great detriment I missed it when I first became a believer. See, this wisdom is described as a fountain of life. What does that mean? A fountain provides an unceasing stream of fresh water. We trust in Jesus for eternal life, but it is not then up to us to live out the Christian life as if in our own power and effort! No!! We have the privilege—and need—to keep trusting in God and to keep going to Him for His wisdom, guidance, and provision throughout life. His wisdom, which He gives to us in His Word by His Spirit, is available to continue to provide us with life-giving nourishment and refreshment moment by moment. He cleanses us, sustains us, strengthens us, guides us, enables us, refreshes us, and shows us His immense love. The fountain is there. Will we keep going to it? We need it.

Can you imagine living right next to a real, physical fountain of youth and choosing to simply ignore it? May that not be how we live! May we continually partake of God’s life giving and life guiding wisdom. Treasure Him and His Word. Seek His understanding for every area of life. Trust the Lord. Hope in Him despite feelings and despite temporary circumstances. Depart from evil. Walk humbly before God. Daily, drink deeply of the divine fountain of life. It is there. It is real.

If we do drink from it, it will impact our lives and transform the way that we speak. Look at the next verse.

23 The heart of the wise instructs his mouth And adds persuasiveness to his lips.

The wise use their wisdom to guide their words. Thus they communicate in a way that is more likely to be received.

In the chiastic structure of these five verses, this one closely echoes verse 21. Wisdom, the heart, one’s mouth or speech, and persuasiveness are all repeated. But there are also some subtle differences that are worth noticing. In verse 21 the result of wisdom in one’s heart is being called understanding. People earn a reputation for having wisdom. Here in verse 23 the focus turns from an outward result to an inward one. The result of wisdom in the heart is that it teaches people to how they should think and use their own words. Before teaching others, the wise direct God’s wisdom to be applied to themselves. Consideration occurs on how God’s Word should guide what they say and how they say it.

In both verses an additional outward result is an increase in persuasiveness. The wise in heart become better at teaching. There is an increase of learning among those who listen to them. Verse 21 emphasized that sweetness of speech increased the likelihood of learning. A soft answer turning away wrath would be a good example of that (Proverbs 15:1). But here we see that wisdom’s instruction to our words goes beyond that positive, uplifting speech. There are many occasions where teaching must go further than saying and phrasing things in gentle, soft, sweet ways. There are times when a rebuke is needed. There are times when a correction is warranted. There are times when the truth is offensive in and of itself. Yet it still needs to be spoken.

When the wisdom of God’s Word is instructing our mouths it will help us to know when different kinds of words are needed and how best to give them. We are told to speak the truth in love (Eph. 4:15). So that remains unchanged. Yet, the reality is that sometimes people need to hear the hard words so that they awaken out of the danger they are in and turn back to God. Awakening a slumbering man in a burning building is not best done with quiet, gentle words. Stopping a child from stepping out into a street into the path of an oncoming car needs more than some sweet, melodic utterance of their name. Danger is imminent. Swift, urgent action is needed. A powerful warning needs to be issued. They need strong, quick persuasion to immediately change the course of their actions lest danger befall them.

Scriptural Example: In Scripture we see a powerful example of this with David after he had committed adultery with Bathsheba and had Uriah murdered. In 2 Samuel 12 the prophet Nathan had the very unenviable task of confronting king David with his sin and declaring God’s judgment upon him.

2 Samuel 12:1 tells us that God sent Nathan to David, but it is not clear if God directly gave him the illustration he used to open up the conversation with David or if he came up with it. It seems preferable to see him as coming up with it, because after the illustration 2 Samuel 12:7-14 clearly give what the exact words of God’s pronouncement of judgment were. Regardless, it is clear that the illustration he used was a very fitting one that connected directly with David’s heart and anger at injustice. One way or the other, whether directly or indirectly received, God’s wisdom taught Nathan what to say. It allowed him to confront David in a way that finally got through.

David had been a shepherd as a young man. So when Nathan shared the story of a rich man with many sheep taking the one and only sheep of a poor man who doted on that sheep like a child it enraged David. He thought the man who had taken this beloved pet sheep to feed a traveler—when he had so many of his own that he should have used—deserved to die. Nathan then informed David that this was exactly what he had done in taking Uriah’s wife. The wisdom of God is what enabled Nathan to be able to bring the magnitude of what David had done to pierce his heart and teach him. These were not soft or gentle words, but they were right and appropriate ones which aided David actually learning what he was being taught.

The blessing of treasuring God’s Word and gaining the understanding of His wisdom is that it enables us to rightly apply it to life. If we are teachable from God’s Word ourselves—and keep listening to it—we will be enabled to speak the right word at the right time in the right way to help others. Our mouths will be instructed in how we can best teach others and pass along God’s wisdom.

Proverb in Comparison: When we compare this with the rest of Scripture we see that there is a very interesting usage of this word for “persuasiveness” or “learning” over in the last verse of Isaiah 29. In this chapter God is telling Jerusalem that He will bring enemy nations against her. God would punish them through the multitude of nations warring against Jerusalem (29:3-7). He would do this because their devotion to Him was empty words. Their hearts were far from Him. As Isaiah 29:13 says, “Their reverence for Me consists of tradition learned by rote.” Because of that, God’s judgment would come and the ruthless and scorner would end up destroyed. Those intent on evil would be cut off (Isaiah 29:20). Afterwards, when they see God’s work among them rescuing them it says that they will once again sanctify God’s name and stand in awe of Him. Verse 24 then concludes the chapter with these words:

Isaiah 29:24 “Those who err in mind will know the truth, And those who criticize will accept instruction.

That last phrase “will accept instruction” could also be rendered “will learn instruction.”¹ It is the future verb form of our word for persuasion. They will be persuaded. They will finally become teachable and learn. God’s instruction will sink home. They will know the truth. God’s wisdom is what is needed to make us teachable. It is the truth that is worth teaching. It is the truth worth learning how to teach. Rather than waiting for God to teach us the hard way through trials and tribulations to value His wisdom we ought to accept and pursue the wisdom of God’s instruction now.

Truth in Connection: Will you prioritize learning God’s wisdom? Will value it enough to allow it to transform your life and mouth?

This is what we all need. It is what Israel needs. It is what Gaza needs. It is what all nations of the earth need. As Christians we are called to be disciples of Jesus. We are called to have the wisdom of God’s Word transform our lives so that we make disciples of all nations. God will accomplish His purposes with us, or without us. He will call people from all nations to Himself. One day He will open Israel’s eyes and they will all be saved. Will we be a part of His work among our community, the nations and Israel? Will we allow God’s Word through His Spirit to impact our hearts and then for the overflow of our hearts to impact our mouths? As we immerse ourselves in God’s wisdom we will end up following the command of Colossians 4:5-6.

Colossians 4:5 Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity. 6 Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.

As a follower of Jesus, will you commit your life to this? When we live this way our words will become just as the next verse, Proverbs 16:24, says.

24 Pleasant words are a honeycomb, Sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.

Kind speech is a beneficial delight. It brings encouragement and healing.

This verse gives us a vivid picture of the helpful nature of God’s Words of wisdom as they come to us and come from us. The description of these words as “pleasant” should remind us of Proverbs 3:17-18 where it is used of Lady Wisdom’s ways.

Proverbs 3:17-18 Her ways are pleasant ways And all her paths are peace. 18 She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her, And happy are all who hold her fast.

Quite interestingly, another connection with our current passage is seen in verse 18’s reference to the tree of life. That is very similar to our passages mention of the fountain of life. Both refer to eternal life in God by His wisdom. When our words become an outward expression of God’s wisdom that is what they can bring. They have a power beyond our ability because they have the power of God behind them. They are His words. They reveal the truth of our condition as sinners. But then they point to His way of salvation in Jesus Christ. They point to life, eternal life, in God. (cf. Romans 1:16)

The benefit of these pleasant words is compared to an overflowing honeycomb. For millennia honey has been used and appreciated for both its sweetness and its healing properties. With the advent of other modern medicines it might not be quite as common knowledge, but honey has both anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Put on a wound it can help prevent infection and encourage healing.²

Our proverb mentions both of these two main aspects of honey in its comparison. First, it says that God’s words of wisdom are sweet to the soul. They can be a great encouragement to people. They can bring them true joy and hope. With the often discouraging and hopeless realities that sin produces in our world with experiences of death, brutality, suffering, and sickness the truth of God’s redemption, love, and presence with us is a hope that we all need. The truth of His Word can bring back a sweetness to our hearts and experiences. But it goes beyond just encouragement and hope.

Our proverb also says, secondly, that God’s words of wisdom are healing to the bones. God’s Word has an encouragement that nothing else can bring because it has an unmatched permanence and a power to actually transform our lives and heal us completely. It is not empty words. God’s word tells us of His work of redemption to save us from our sins and from the judgment that we deserve for them. It tells us of what Jesus did on the cross to bear our sin and punishment upon Himself while giving us His righteousness. It tells us of His free gift of salvation which He gives to all those who stop trusting in their way and trust in Jesus alone. This brings true, eternal healing to our lives and world from our otherwise endless cycles of deterioration, destruction, and death.

These words of wisdom are indeed pleasant words which are sweet to our souls and healing to our bones. They bring both hope for today with God’s love and presence with us, and hope for eternity with our sin being taken care of in Jesus. He rose from the grave, conquering sin and death. Now He is gone to prepare a place for us to bring us to be with Him forever. Then in His perfect timing in the future He is going to come back and judge this world with all those who will not turn from their sin. Finally He is going to restore earth and make all things new.

In the meantime here on earth He has given His Holy Spirit to be with all of us who have trusted in Him. He has given us the privilege of being part of His plan of redemption by sharing it the world. He has given us His Word so that we could know Him and His purposes for us. He has given us each other to encourage and help one another. He has given us His promises that nothing can separate us from His love and that He will work all things out for good for those who love Him and are truly His children. Indeed, the sweetness of His Words of wisdom are a never ending delight.

If we would but go to them, see them, and trust Him for them we would be able to savor their rich delights and be encouraged and strengthened for everything that we face. And, our words would be transformed to pass along these treasures to others.

Scriptural Example: In Scripture we see a lot of examples of this in the Psalms in the experience of David when he was humbled and walking with the Lord. In Psalm 19:9-11 he proclaims the amazing blessing of God’s Word this way:

Psalm 19:9-11 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the LORD are true; they are righteous altogether. 10 They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb. 11 Moreover, by them Your servant is warned; In keeping them there is great reward.

Indeed, God’s Word is better than gold, and sweeter than honey. It is clean, enduring forever. May we see God’s Word like this! May it become an inseparable part of us so that it overflows from our lips like the Psalms did from David’s. Listen to a few more of his invigorating declarations from Psalm 27.

Psalm 27:1, 8, 11a, 13-14 The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? ... 8 When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek.… 11a Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path… 13 I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. 14 Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD. (KJV)

That is treasuring God. That is treasuring and seeking His Word. That is trusting in the Lord. As David did all this through his trial he could not help but express it in his words. Thus we now have it for all time to encourage and strengthen us with its sweetness. We have it to point us to the only place where there is healing and redemption for our lives. That too is what our words can become like as we immerse ourselves in God’s Word, as we learn to understand it, treasure it, and love it.

Proverb in Comparison: When we compare this proverb with the rest of Scriptures we see this pictured succinctly in Colossians 3:16-17.

Colossians 3:16-17 Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.

If we live this way, then we will end up having the kind of life and words that are truly sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. To the unbeliever we will proclaim the hope of redemption, cleansing, and eternal life in Jesus Christ. We will speak the truth that can set them free. To the believer we will proclaim the wisdom of God’s perfect words for all of life. In everything we will point people to Jesus. We will point to the Wisdom of His Word. We will glorify God in word and deed.

Truth in Connection: This is how we are to pursue and have the right words on the highway of the upright. Are you gaining these right words? Are you intentionally pursuing understanding the wisdom of God’s Word? Is that the first priority in your life? Is that evident in what you spend your time on? Is it evident in what influences your heart and mind? Then is it evident in your speech with others?

We can have this wisdom of God’s Word impacting our life and words in these amazing ways. But we will not have it if we settle for the baubles and trinkets of this world which pretend to be worthwhile and wise. We must not let ourselves be deceived by the world’s wisdom and way of living.

Trust in Jesus and Jesus alone as your Lord and Savior. Then continue on day by day running to Him for His true wisdom. May we let Him shine the truth of His wisdom on every area of our lives and guide us. May we have His wisdom overflow from our mouths.

Conclusion

If you have any questions on any of this or want help in coming to know Jesus as your Lord and Savior please come talk with us. We are available. Let’s pray.

© 2023, Kevin A. Dodge, All rights reserved.

Unless otherwise noted, Scripture quotations taken from the New American Standard Bible^® (NASB),Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. www.Lockman.org