Text: Prov 12:16-18 ESV 16 The vexation of a fool is known at once, but the prudent ignores an insult. 17 Whoever speaks the truth gives honest evidence, but a false witness utters deceit. 18 There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. - Prov 12:16-18 ESV THE PRUDENT IGNORES AN INSULT The fortitude of the prudent is his calmness. He restrains the show of anger. The fool, however, when annoyed loses control and goes out of control. The root cause is his selfish arrogance. The righteous controls his emotions. He does not fly off the handle at the slightest provocation. This is the fruit of the Holy Spirit (Gal 5:22–23). The Lord Jesus is our example of self-control. According to Peter, He did not revile in return when He was reviled. Neither did He threaten others when He suffered. Instead, He "continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly" (1 Pet 2:23). Peter continues to write, "Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling…'whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit; let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it.'"[1 Pet 3:9–11] As we move to verse 17, Solomon highlights once again the disparity of the righteous and wicked hearts. Honest people are honest, and liars lie. The person whose life is marked by natural, innate honesty gives trustworthy testimony (Mat 5:37). In contrast, the person who habitually lies can't be trusted, no matter what they say. Each person reveals his character by what he says. Having been filled by the Spirit, the apostles do speak the truth even when reprimanded. When the rulers, elders, and scribes commanded them not to speak or teach in Jesus' name, the apostles answered, "We cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard" (Acts 4:20). Furthermore, the wicked has sharp tongue. His rash words are like sword thrusts. These ‘rash words’ involve speaking carelessly or thoughtlessly. There is a saying, "Sticks and stones can break my bones, but words, never!" This could be true in some extent but words can cause damage of their own. The tongue can either be used to hurt others or to heal their anxieties and sorrows (Prov 12:25). Unkind words can pierce the heart like sharp swords. Snide remarks, gossip, undue criticism, cursing, name-calling, and false accusations hurt people, and should not be spoken by believers (Col 4:6). Indeed, the prudent has the ability to control one's tongue. He will consider words carefully before speaking. This is a hallmark of godly wisdom (Prov 10:19; 11:12; 17:28; Jas 3:2, 5). Believers are going to use words to build one another up not to tear down. (Eph 4:29) Paul admonishes, "Be kind to one another" (Eph 4:32). A prudent person will control and use his tongue to encourage others (1 Thess 4:18; Heb 10:24). He ignores an insult and even overcomes such evil by saying something good and edifying. ------------------------- Visit and FOLLOW Gospel Light Filipino on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram