Proverbs 13:1-3

Proverbs 13:1-3 deal with various aspects of speech.

Verse 1--A wise child loves discipline,
but a scoffer does not listen to rebuke.
Good speech begins with good listening. We would all like to think that we never think, speak, or do bad things. But the truth is: we are all guilty of sin, and this continues as long as we live. Discipline by parents, siblings, friends, counselors, elders, and certainly GOD is very helpful--IF WE WILL LISTEN! Prov. 3:11-12 says that God disciplines those he loves. Discipline is an important component of love. When those who love us rebuke or reprove us, instead of getting angry and trying to defend ourselves, it is much healthier spiritually to listen and try to change what we have done wrong.

Verse 2--From the fruit of their words good persons eat good things,
but the desire of the treacherous is for wrongdoing.
The Bible often uses the metaphors of hunger and thirst when speaking of spiritual matters. Our words reveal our inmost feelings and concerns, and what we say to others and how we say it can make a big difference in their lives. May God help us use his gift of speech to bless others.

Verse 3--Those who guard their mouths preserve their lives;
those who open wide their lips come to ruin.
We all like to talk. But often the best thing to do in a critical circumstance is to say nothing. Even if we feel like we KNOW the best thing to do in a certain situation, often it is best to guard our mouths and let God work in his own time and way.

John Willis