9/21/2025
Turn with me to Proverbs 19:25-20:1. These are our verses to continue studying and memorizing.
Proverbs 19:25-20:1 Strike a scoffer and the naive may become shrewd, But reprove one who has understanding and he will gain knowledge. 26 He who assaults his father and drives his mother away Is a shameful and disgraceful son. 27 Cease listening, my son, to discipline, And you will stray from the words of knowledge. 28 A rascally witness makes a mockery of justice, And the mouth of the wicked spreads iniquity. 29 Judgments are prepared for scoffers, And blows for the back of fools. 20:1 Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, And whoever is intoxicated by it is not wise.
Introduction
These verses form the introduction to our next large section of proverbs which goes from Proverbs 19:25-22:16. This whole section will teach us about the character and integrity that should characterize a society for it to thrive. A major threat to that is the mocking scoffer. Thus a major facet of these verses will be to help us learn lessons from the negative way of life of the scoffer. They will help us know how to deal with that way of life within society, and what to beware of to keep from becoming scoffers who lack integrity ourselves. Thankfully a number of verses will also portray things in a contrasting and positive light. So it will not be entirely negative. That being said, our six verse introduction does approach the issue from the bleak standpoint of the discipline that the scoffer needs, and his dark way of life.
As we noted last time, the introduction starts with the reminder of the importance of being teachable, and of honoring one’s parents. We also noted that there is an alternating pattern in these verses of a problematic behavior and then the needed solution.
The lazy sluggard of Proverbs 19:24, who will not complete what he starts, needs discipline— according to Proverbs 19:25. Among those who live this way, the scoffing sluggard needs strong discipline. The naïve sluggard need to see the result of those behaviors to learn, while the wise just need instruction or rebuke for his slip into laziness. Different discipline is needed depending on how teachable the individual is.
In Proverbs 19:26 we then saw the problematic behavior of the shameful and disgraceful son who assaults his parents, driving them away. In our current proverb, Proverbs 19:27, we have sarcastic, scoffing-like, guidance which will also show us the solution to that problem. We are told to stop listening to discipline so that we can stray from words of knowledge. The reverse-psychology opposite of that sarcastic command is what is needed. We need to listen to God’s words of wisdom by paying attention to the discipline we receive instead of attacking those communicating it to us.
Proverbs 19:28 will give us another set of problematic behaviors: false witnesses, slanderers, and other wicked words which characterize the way of the scoffer.
Lord willing, next time we will see society’s solution to that in 19:29. Judgments and punishment are needed to stop those wicked behaviors. Proverbs 20:1 concludes the introduction by giving one more problematic behavior that characterizes and produces scoffers: intoxicated drunkenness. That needs to be stopped by the judgments and punishment society metes out. Our next section will also begin by reiterating that with its reference to the king’s anger against all those upsetting behaviors. Justice ought to come from the highest authority to curb these kinds of dangerous wicked behavior for society to thrive.
With that overview of where we are at in our introduction, let’s now study Proverbs 19:27-28.
27 Cease listening, my son, to discipline, And you will stray from the words of knowledge.
A good way to stop having wisdom is to ignore discipline.
As we have already hinted at, while the translation of this proverb rightly translates the meaning, it misses quite a bit of the nuance and intended force of the original. The point of this proverb is that the one who stops listening to discipline ends up departing from wisdom. In the original, though, this proverb drips with sarcasm. Our translations in English seem to translate it the way they do to keep us from misunderstanding that so that we do not completely miss the meaning of what is being said. If we were all used to understanding proverbs in the context of the sections where they appear, all the translators would probably not have felt the need to do that. But since we are used to seeing proverbs as individual verses which have no bearing on the ones around them they handle it differently and some of its force is lost.
This proverb is actually an imperative command to “stop listening, my son, to discipline in order to stray from the words of knowledge.” If one took that literally and directly, without a comprehension of the context, it would indeed sound like Solomon went crazy. Why would he be commanding his son to stop listening to discipline? Why would he want him to stray from words of knowledge? Of course, he would not want that! This verse is not just laced with sarcasm. It is 100% sarcasm. This is intentionally being completely ironic within the context to make the exact opposite point. In the context, we are right in the middle of an introduction to this whole section on learning from the way of the scoffer. Thus, we have a statement worthy of a scoffer. The scoffer would want to depart from the words of knowledge that he disagrees with. The scoffer would not want to listen to discipline. But, since we do not want to be scoffers the sarcastic command of this verse actually teaches us the opposite point.
Additionally, this whole introduction comes from a negative angle where the good that is being promoted is being seen from the standpoint of dealing with the wicked. We learn the importance of being teachable from the flogging of the scoffer and the rebuke a wise man receives. We learn of the importance of listening to and honoring parents from the example of the shameful son who assaults his parents. We learn of the importance of truthfulness and justice from the rascally witness who is unjustly benefitting from lies. We learn of the consequences of sin from the judgments and blows that the wicked receive. We learn of the dangers of intoxication from the judgments which society and the king bring down upon its results. Given all that context, it is only natural that here in this verse we learn how to not be a shameful son by seeing how a shameful son got to where he actually assaulted his own parents. By seeing that we learn what NOT to do. We learn how to safeguard ourselves from that disastrous outcome by doing the opposite of what the scoffer does.
Thus, in being commanded to stop listening to discipline so that we can stray from words of knowledge so that we become ones who beat our parents, we see that we ought to do the exact opposite if we want the opposite outcome. Instead, we must carefully listen to our parents discipline. We must be careful not to stray from words of knowledge. If we do hold onto wisdom, we will not become shameful sons. We will become wise people who are not scornful mockers. Unfortunately, the sad reality is that far too many people do stop listening to the discipline, rebuke, and instructions they are given. They think they have outgrown their need to keep learning. They have outgrown being teachable. They think they know enough to make the right decisions. They have come to think that if they think it and want it then it must be right and best. In this way they stray from true wisdom and into the way of the scoffer.
Scriptural Example: In Scripture we see a clear example of this in the life of king Ahab of Israel. He stopped listening to God’s wisdom, married a pagan princess, and began worshipping the false god Ba’al. He then built an altar and temple to Ba’al in Samaria. (1 Kings 16:29-33) As if that was not enough, he allowed his pagan wife Jezebel to kill most of the prophets of God. Next he installed 450 pagan prophets of Ba’al and 400 more to Asherah. (1 Kings 18:3-4, 13, 19. cf. also 2 Chron 18:5). Because of that God disciplined Ahab with a 3 year drought that He sent to the land through the prophet Elijah. Then came the famous contest between the prophets of Ba’al and Elijah on Mount Carmel.
Nothing happened to the prepared sacrifice of the false prophets despite their pleading their god to light it on fire. Whereas, despite all the water that was poured on Elijah’s prepared sacrifice, God Himself consumed that whole dripping wet sacrifice and even the water around it with fire from heaven. After the false prophets were put to death, God brought rain back upon the land. Despite all this Ahab did not return to listening to and obeying God. He did not learn from the discipline. Instead, he got 400 more false prophets who were with him when he went with the good king Jehoshaphat of Judah to fight against the Arameans to regain one of their lost cities. The false prophets uniformly told Ahab what he wanted to hear. He would be victorious in battle. Jehoshaphat, though, wanted to first hear from a real prophet of God. When Micaiah was called, whom Ahab hated, Ahab’s doom was prophesied. Even knowing all that God had done in the past Ahab would not believe the words of knowledge that God prophesied to him. As a scorner he was deceived. He thought he knew better than God. He had outgrown being teachable. He thought because he wanted it that it must be right, best, and doable. So he went out into battle anyway. Despite the precautions he took to disguise himself, Ahab died just as prophesied (2 Chronicles 18). He refused to listen to discipline. He strayed from the words of knowledge. He scorned God’s Word and reaped his destruction.
Proverb in Comparison: When we compare this proverb with the rest of Scripture we see that we never outgrow our need to listen to the reproof of God’s Word. Even the apostle Peter as a central leader of God’s church once needed a strong rebuke from the apostle Paul. During the early confusing days of the Gentiles entering the church and becoming a full part of the body of Christ, Peter visited some gentile Christians in Antioch. He began eating with them. That was fully appropriate. In Christ they had become clean before God and were fellow bothers and sisters in Christ. Yet, according to Galatians 2, when some other Jews arrived Peter stopped eating with the gentile believers. Paul had to confront him and rebuke him publicly so that he could see how he was misrepresenting the gospel by behaving that way.
The Gentiles did not need to be circumcised and become Jews to be able to be true believers and fellow members of Jesus’ body in the church with the Jewish believers. No! They had been made clean and a part of church because of Jesus’ complete once-for-all sacrifice on the cross for them. No additional works were needed. Nothing else could be done to make them part of God’s people. Jesus had done it all. Peter’s behavior made it seem like Jesus’ atoning sacrifice was not sufficient. So he needed to be publicly rebuked and realize the implications of what he was doing and saying by his actions.
Likewise, all of us need to remain humble and teachable before the truth of God’s Word. This even applies to elders within the church. Notice what God commanded about elders within the churches:
1 Timothy 5:17-20 The elders who rule well are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching. 18 For the Scripture says, “YOU SHALL NOT MUZZLE THE OX WHILE HE IS THRESHING,” and “The laborer is worthy of his wages.” 19 Do not receive an accusation against an elder except on the basis of two or three witnesses. 20 Those who continue in sin, rebuke in the presence of all, so that the rest also will be fearful of sinning.
Elders are to be respected and well cared for because of their faithful ministry. Likewise, frivolous accusations are not to be entertained or considered. Nonetheless, even they are fully accountable to God and the church. If they need correction it must be given when the evidence bears it out. If they are not teachable, and continue in their sin, they also need to be rebuked before all so that a fear of sin remains within the church. God will not be mocked. He is not a respecter of person or position. The scorner must not be allowed to remain, even if it is an elder who has become proud in their own self-deceit.
For all of those who do not fall into that scorning category, but are truly repentant, Galatians reiterates that we are to humbly and gently restore them.
Galatians 6:1 Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted.
Sins may not be ignored, so we must confront them. But when people are truly repentant we ought to do our best to humbly restore them to obediently following God and the encouragement of the full fellowship of the church. We are to do this by the infallible, inerrant truth of God’s Word. It is the wisdom, instruction, and rebuke that we all need throughout our lives to be the people God wants us to be. 2 Timothy 3:14-17 highlights this.
2 Timothy 3:14-17 You, however, continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of, knowing from whom you have learned them, 15 and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; 17 so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.
Truth in Connection: As we apply this proverb to our lives, we ought to ask ourselves where we are at in our receptiveness to the discipline of God and His Word. Have we received its foundational call to repentance for our sin? Have we realized the truth of its condemnation of us for our rebellion against God through sin? Have we seen our inability on our own to change or pay for this sin on our own and be reconciled to God? Have we seen His amazing love in Jesus to redeem us from our sin, set us free from our slavery to it, and pay in full the eternal judgment that we deserve for it? That is why He came, lived perfectly as the unique Son of God and Son of man and then died on the cross. He willingly paid in full the judgment that we deserve for our sin and gives His righteousness to all those who come in faith trusting Him to save them. He rose from the dead proving that His death was sufficient and fully paid for our sin. Have you listened to His rebuke and His call to turn from embracing your sin and to trust in Him as your Lord and Savior? If not, do it today before it is too late. “It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” as Hebrews 9:27 (KJV) says.
Beyond that foundation, we all need to continue to ask ourselves where we are at in our receptiveness to the discipline of God and His Word. If we do not remain humble and teachable we will stray from God and His Word. We will become scorners. Our sin will take us farther than we ever thought possible. We will become the standard of right and wrong to ourselves. We will twist and manipulate God’s Word to suit what we want it to say. We will end up treating people wrongly. We will stop living for God’s purpose for our lives and begin living like the world for our own flesh. We will become like Demas who forsook the truth to love this sinful world. May that not become the reality of our lives.
May we daily dwell in God’s Word to allow it to cleanse our minds, challenge sinful thoughts, encourage our hearts, and align our lives to God’s perfect purposes for them. That is God’s solution to the dangers of the scoffing, mocking, scornful way of life that will attempt to deceive us out of the way of wisdom. Continue to listen to God’s Word of discipline. Will you? If that is what you want to do, then what will you concretely and intentionally do to make that happen? Will you read and meditate on God’s Word each day? Will you memorize Scripture? Will you spend time in prayer about your life and how God wants you to live? Will you spend time in prayer about others and how you can love and serve them? Will you turn from any sin in your life that has been gripping you and leading you away from God and His Wisdom towards being a hard-hearted scoffer? May we not just be people of vague good intentions, but true followers of Jesus in all areas of our lives.
Our next proverb presents another aspect of the way of life of the scornful.
28 A rascally witness makes a mockery of justice, And the mouth of the wicked spreads iniquity.
A worthless, lying witness pursues wickedness and scorns justice to get their ill gotten gain.
The word there for “rascally” is the same word for “belial” that in the King James Version was often simply transliterated over into English. Because of that general usage, even in the NASB we still have the word “belial” being used in the New Testament in 2 Corinthians 6:15. In that passage we were told not to be “unequally yoked” (KJV) or “bound together” (NASB) with unbelievers. Then it says “what accord has Christ with Belial?” (NASB) This is a word that describes a worthless, vile, ungodly, or even devilish person. They are the epitome of someone who is confirmed in their pursuit of evil. They do not care about the consequences that might come upon an innocent person. They have seared their conscience and are only concerned about getting what they want. This kind of scorning mocker makes a mockery of justice. They mock it by willfully undercutting it and turning justice into injustice with their lies.
The second half of the verse talks about their mouth spreading iniquity. Interestingly, the verb for “spreads” there is translated “devours” in most other translations. It has to do with gulping something down or swallowing it.1 To some people that understanding just does not seem to fit this proverb. Thus they try to figure out if there was a scribal mistake that would substantiate an emendation that would seem to more closely fit the context. Apparently the NASB does that and follows a possible Arabic word connection. All of that is completely unnecessary. Solomon has a very well crafted proverb here that pushes us to carefully consider the various nuances of what he means with this choice of words.
In his commentary Bruce Waltke helpfully clarifies the situation for us. He explains how the mouth of the wicked does indeed gulp down or devour iniquity in a few different ways that matches quite well this idea of the devilish false witness in the first part of the verse. On the one hand, the wicked eat up iniquity like others would devour tasty food. In other words, they enjoy the wicked words they are spreading and the trouble they are producing. They revel in its wickedness. Related to that, the way this is worded it could also refer to them enjoying the benefits of what their lying words have produced from their bearing false witness. They gain something from their lies for them to consume—whether it is getting away with evil, or somehow gaining spoils from the condemned party.
Lastly, it could also rightly be taken to mean, in a more ironic fashion, that they will have to eat or endure the consequences of what their wicked words produce.2 The word for iniquity can more generally refer to evil or trouble. Thus, by the fruit of their lies they end up being forced to eat the consequences of their own words. They end up with their own foot in their mouth, as we might say.
All in all, this second part of this proverb is quite rich with meaning in what it teaches us about the rascally, devilish behavior of the scoffer. It includes different aspects of how they delight in spreading trouble and benefitting from it in the short term. Yet, we also see that because of their wicked behavior the final consequences of their actions will come back upon them. Ultimately they will be forced to swallow the trouble they have sown.
Proverbs 9:12 reiterates this.
Proverbs 9:12 If you are wise, you are wise for yourself, And if you scoff, you alone will bear it.
That word for scoffing is the same word that is translated mockery in our proverb. Those who behave this way will ultimate reap its consequences.
Scriptural Example: In Scripture we see an example of this proverb in the lives of king Ahab and Queen Jezebel of Israel in 1 Kings 21. Ahab really wanted a specific vineyard that bordered his property, but the owner, Naboth, would not sell his God-given inheritance. Ahab sulked until Jezebel came up with and implemented a plan that had false witnesses make a mockery of justice. Interestingly, those false witnesses are specifically called sons of belial in 1 Kings 21:10. These worthless, devilish liars made false accusations against Naboth of blaspheming against God and the king. Thus Naboth was wrongly stoned to death. Then Ahab and Jezebel got the vineyard that they wanted. In the name of doing what was good and righteous they did the exact opposite. It was indeed a blatant delighting in deceptive wickedness, an overturning of justice, and a reveling in the produce of evil. Because of that God sent Elijah to them with words of His coming intense judgment upon them and their whole house. God will not be mocked. The consequences of the lying tongue of the scornful, wicked way of life will end up coming back upon those who delight in it.
In Scripture probably the biggest example of making a mockery of justice with devilish lies would be what occurred at the trial of Jesus. We see an account of this in Matthew 26:59-68.
Matthew 26:59-68 Now the chief priests and the whole Council kept trying to obtain false testimony against Jesus, so that they might put Him to death. 60 They did not find any, even though many false witnesses came forward. But later on two came forward, 61 and said, “This man stated, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and to rebuild it in three days.’” 62 The high priest stood up and said to Him, “Do You not answer? What is it that these men are testifying against You?” 63 But Jesus kept silent. And the high priest said to Him, “I adjure You by the living God, that You tell us whether You are the Christ, the Son of God.” 64 Jesus said to him, “You have said it yourself; nevertheless I tell you, hereafter you will see THE SON OF MAN SITTING AT THE RIGHT HAND OF POWER, and COMING ON THE CLOUDS OF HEAVEN.” 65 Then the high priest tore his robes and said, “He has blasphemed! What further need do we have of witnesses? Behold, you have now heard the blasphemy; 66 what do you think?” They answered, “He deserves death!” 67 Then they spat in His face and beat Him with their fists; and others slapped Him, 68 and said, “Prophesy to us, You Christ; who is the one who hit You?”
The chief priests and Sanhedrin had predetermined that they were going to put Jesus to death. They did not care about the truth. So they brought forward many false witnesses. Their testimonies did not match until two were found who said that Jesus was able to destroy the temple of God and rebuild it in three days. Quite ironically, it was their putting Jesus to death that would be the means by which Jesus would actually do this and fulfill His proclamation! The attempt to claim that He was threatening the physical temple falls flat in itself, but they used it as a pretext to demand whether He was the Messiah, the Son of God or not. When He rightly claimed who He was they wrongly used those words to sentence Him to death for blasphemy.
Thus they used false witnesses, false pretexts, and false conclusions to condemn Jesus to death. He was innocent of sin. He was perfect and holy. Yet, they evilly used and twisted words to kill Him. They wanted to get Him out of the way to try to safeguard their hold on power. They delighted in their evil to get what they wanted. Ultimately, though, they reaped the consequences of what they had done. Jesus rose from the dead. The church was born and grew. Jesus was not suppressed and gotten out of the way. Then in one generation they lost all their power and even the physical temple when Rome crushed the rebellion that sprang up. Everything was destroyed. Eternally they also reaped the judgment of God. Devilish lies produce devilish consequences. There may be a temporary gain and pleasure in sin. The scoffing, mocking, lying way of life may gain the upper hand for a time, but the consequences will come due.
Proverb in Comparison: When we compare this proverb with the rest of Scripture we see that God has strong words about the evil tongue in James 3:5-10.
James 3:5-10 So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things. See how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire! 6 And the tongue is a fire, the very world of iniquity; the tongue is set among our members as that which defiles the entire body, and sets on fire the course of our life, and is set on fire by hell. 7 For every species of beasts and birds, of reptiles and creatures of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by the human race. 8 But no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison. 9 With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God; 10 from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be this way.
Our proverb talked about a “belial” or worthless/devilish witness mocking justice. 2 Corinthians 6:15 talks about partnering with unbelievers being like ludicrously trying to make Christ have harmony with “belial” or Satan. Now, here in James 3 we see that the source of our evil, boastful, defiling words is the fires of hell. Truly, those with lying, manipulative, destructive tongues have at their source a devilish inspiration. That fits the pattern of life of the scornful, mocker. They are not following God. They are defying Him. They are not following truth and righteousness. They are exalting sin and mocking justice for what they can manipulate and get out of situations.
For those who have been set free from sin by salvation in Jesus Christ having this kind of tongue continuing to characterize them would be completely wrong and does not fit at all. The wise will repent and submit their tongues to God and pursue righteousness and justice. They will want their words to build up, not tear down. They will want this area of their life to be miraculously transformed by the only power that can do it: God’s power.
On our own, our tongues are impossible to tame, as James 3:8 says. Our natural instinct will be to lie, to protect ourselves, to manipulate, to get what we can out of other people and situations. But when we are transformed from belonging to the kingdom of darkness and from following our father, the father of lies, into the kingdom of God’s dear son and become children of God, then we have as our father the father of light (Col. 1:12-14). We have inside us the Spirit of truth (John 14:15-18). Thus our words should now begin to reflect His light, His truth, His righteousness, and His justice.
1 John 1:5-7 This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. 6 If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth; 7 but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.
Many people deceive themselves. They think that they are alright with God when in reality they are still in their sin. They are still mockers of God. They do not truly practice the truth. They walk in darkness. They lie and deceive themselves and others. Their true God is themselves. If you find yourself in this situation, recognize it, admit it, then turn to Jesus in repentance for the salvation that He alone provides. Surrender to Him as your God and Savior. Trust Him to cleanse you from your sin and make you born again into His eternal kingdom. All those who come to Him He will not cast out. “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved” (Acts 16:31). By the grace of God in Jesus Christ may we not be of the scornful, mockers who pervert the truth with their words. May we be of the children of God who walk in the truth and in the light.
Truth in Connection: As we connect this to our lives, Ephesians 5:1-14 helpfully pictures for us what this new redeemed way of life should look like.
Ephesians 5:1-14 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; 2 and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma. 3 But immorality or any impurity or greed must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints; 4 and there must be no filthiness and silly talk, or coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. 5 For this you know with certainty, that no immoral or impure person or covetous man, who is an idolater, has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. 7 Therefore do not be partakers with them; 8 for you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light 9 (for the fruit of the Light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth), 10 trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. 11 Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them; 12 for it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret. 13 But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light. 14 For this reason it says, “Awake, sleeper, And arise from the dead, And Christ will shine on you.”
Are you walking as a child of the light today? How have you used your words this past week? Have your words reflected a mockery of justice? Have they reflected lies or manipulations? Have they slandered and wrongly accused others? Have you hurt and wounded with your words to retaliate against others or to get what you want? If so, repent. You are wandering off into the dangerous path of the scornful mocker. The immediate pleasures of using your tongue in these ways may be gratifying, but in the end they will be destructive. God will not be mocked by this kind of behavior. If it is coming from one of His true children He will discipline us for misrepresenting Him and righteousness like this. If it is coming from someone who does not know Him, His judgment is also coming. He will not forever be longsuffering. His call to us is to repent of this kind of unrighteous behavior, to trust Him, and to follow Him.
Our words should exalt righteousness, truth, and justice. They should be used to proclaim the gospel, the good news that although we are sinners doomed to judgment, God personally made a way of salvation for all those who believe in Jesus. He died on the cross to pay the penalty of our sin in our place. He rose from the grave to conquer sin and give us His righteousness. That is what our words should be proclaiming. Then our words should be used to proclaim the realities of what our new life in Jesus should look like as we disciple other believers in learning to follow Jesus. Our words should be used to build up and encourage one another. Our words should always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, as Colossians 4:6 says. We should speak the truth in love as Ephesians 4:15 says. We should always be ready to give a reason for “the hope that is in you with meekness and fear,” as 1 Peter 3:15 says.
Instead of being the tool of scornful mockers, may our tongues be tools of God for righteousness and goodness. May we walk in the light and power of the Holy Spirit so that these kinds of righteous words are realities in our lives.
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.
© 2025, 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
English (US) · 