Proverbs is a book of themes that weave in and out of one another. Seldom is one theme given full development in any one place. We can readily see an example in the chapter before us by noting four verses on diligence versus slothfulness. Rather than all being grouped together, they are woven through the chapter in verses 9,11,24 and 27.
By way of exhortation, we plan to cover in some detail two of the themes of Proverbs which are prominent in this chapter, proper speech and right reaction to criticism.
The words of a fool
In a series of contrasts between the fool and the prudent we read of the words of a fool: “There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword” (12:18). In the words of another proverb making the same point we read: “The words of the talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly” (26:22). Thus we see that the words of the fool are frequently hurtful.
When we find that our words are often hurtful to others, we ought not to casually dismiss the matter as just being “our way.” We ought to seriously consider that we may be speaking like a fool speaks.
The fool is known for lying. There are several allusions in this chapter: “A false witness [sheweth forth] deceit…a lying tongue is but for a moment…lying lips are abomination to the LORD” (vs. 17,19,22). Oftentimes, the fool lies to impress others or to cover up for previous lies, but in so doing, “the wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips” (v.13). The fool often ends up being the one hurt by his lies as “a fool’s mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul” (18:7).
The fool is known for the quantity of his words — he talks too much: “The mouth of the fool poureth out foolishness…A fool also is full of words” (Prov. 15:2; Eccl. 10:14). And the fool is quick to speak, not seeking to control his tongue: “The vexation of a fool is known at once” (Prov. 12:16 RSV).
The words of the wise
While a fool’s words are hurtful, the words of the wise are helpful and comforting: “The tongue of the wise is health” (v. 18). Instead of tearing people down, the wise encourages them: “Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad” (Prov. 12:25).
While the fool lies, the righteous are honest and speak truthfully: “He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness…the lip of truth shall be established for ever” (vs. 17,19).
The wise man is honest and expresses his true opinion, but he does not say all that is on his mind. “A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness” (v.23). Thus the fool gushes harmful words and deceit whereas the wise man carefully chooses what to say and what not to say: “He that refraineth his lips is wise” (10:19).
And the wise man ponders before speaking, giving himself the chance to curb harmful and unprofitable statements: “He that hath knowledge spareth his words…Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise” (17:27-28). Recognizing that the wise man’s words are much fewer than the fool’s no doubt makes some of us a little uncomfortable. That may be good, however, because we are here to examine ourselves before partaking of the memorial emblems.
The proper reaction to criticism
“Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth rebuke is brutish” (12:1). The word for “instruction” is translated “chastening” in Proverbs 3:11 so the passage has in mind the chastening of the Lord as well as criticism from our peers.
It is safe to say that not many of us, if any, like to be criticized and corrected. We may readily acknowledge in a general way that we are not perfect, but it is very difficult to admit wrongdoing in a specific issue, especially when the matter is ongoing. Accepting such criticism without deep resentment is a true test of humility. When confronted, we often raise the barrier of self-justification and counter with condemnation of the critic.
The wise will accept and learn from counsel and advise: “Rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee…teach a just man and he will increase in learning” (Prov. 9:8-9). The wise are much more concerned about the ultimate goal of eternal life than they are about the passing state of their egos. Not so with the fool, however: “Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee” (9:8). The fool turns on his critic without regard to the ultimate value of the instruction.
What if the criticism is wrong?
Even if criticism is not correct or is evidence of hatred in the heart of the critic, the wise man will still take it with meekness and patience. We need to remember that anyone should humbly accept right criticism, but it is an act of discipleship to take wrong abuse without retaliating: “If, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God” (I Peter 2:20).
The Lord Jesus is the ultimate example in this regard. He was unjustifiably charged with insanity, blasphemy and law-breaking but, “When he was reviled, he reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously” (I Peter 2:23).
David, too, humbly accepted wrong criticism. The wicked Shimei cursed David, spewing forth one misstatement after another. David was a man after God’s own heart, but Shimei called him “a man of Belial.” David had deliberately spared Saul’s life and had done much for his surviving family, yet Shimei accused him of being guilty of “all the blood of the house of Saul.” Though victimized by slander and falsehood, David humbled himself and restrained a spirit of retaliation (II Sam. 16:5-12).
The chastening of the Lord
“My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction; for whom the LORD loveth he correcteth” (Prov. 3:11-12). This proverb is expounded in Hebrews 12:4-12 in relation to the difficulties God brings into our lives. God’s chastening is a necessary part of our development and spiritual growth which “yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.”
We can probably see many ways God has moved in our own lives, possibly by thwarting our ambitions or bringing sickness on us or on our loved ones. We don’t want to stubbornly resist God’s obvious hand in our lives. Our reaction should not be resentment and bitterness but gratefulness and love that He cares enough to work for our salvation.
Accept criticism with humility
Criticism may come from a candid friend trying to help us, an ill-intentioned enemy, or the circumstances God brings into our lives. It can come, too, from our own self-critique as we examine ourselves in the light of the word of God. In all cases, we need to accept the correction meekly, consider it seriously and learn from it where possible.
Instead of raising our defenses and pridefully resisting change, may we humbly accept our need to improve and have the wisdom to implement change where it is needed.
“But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.”
The Origin of the Organic World – Part One