Scripture: Proverb 10:1-14
1 The Proverbs of Solomon. A wise son maketh a glad father, but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother.
2 Treasures of wickedness profit nothing, but righteousness delivers from death.
3 The Lord will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish: but he casts away the substance of the wicked.
4 He becomes poor and deals with a slack hand, but the hand of the diligent makes him rich.
5 He that gathereth in summer is a wise son: but he that sleeps in harvest is a son that causes shame.
6 Blessings are upon the head of the just: but violence covers the mouth of the wicked.
7 The memory of the just is blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot.
8 The wise in heart will receive commandments: but a prating fool shall fall.
9 He that walks uprights walks surely: but he that perverts his ways shall be known.
10 He that winks with the eye causeth sorrow: but a prating fool shall fall.
11 The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.
12 Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.
13 In the lips of him that has understanding wisdom is found: but a rod is for the back of him that is void of understanding.
14 Wise men lay up knowledge: but the mouth of the foolish is near destruction. (KJV)
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Speak Life, Walk in Wisdom, and Store Up Knowledge
The Weight of Words
Proverbs 10:11-14 reminds us that the mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the words of the wicked conceal violence. Our words reflect our hearts, and God calls us to use them wisely.
The Foundation of Wisdom
Before we unpack the power of words, let’s step back to Proverbs 10:1-10, where Solomon lays the foundation for wisdom. Solomon contrasts the wise and foolish, showing how our choices shape our future. “The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother”. Wisdom is more than knowing what’s right—it’s applying it.
This passage also warns against laziness, dishonesty, and deception. “Whoever walks upright walks with confidence: but whoever perverts their ways shall be known.” (Proverbs 10:9). Integrity and wisdom go hand in hand. When we store up knowledge, we can discern between what builds up and what destroys.
Words as a Fountain of Life
Now, let’s focus on Proverbs 10:11-14:The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.
Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs.
Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning, but a rod is for the back of one who has no sense.
The wise store up knowledge, but the mouth of a fool invites ruin.
A fountain of life represents something refreshing, nourishing, and essential. Imagine a natural spring in the middle of a desert—life depends on it. That’s how powerful our words can be when used correctly.
But when words are used carelessly or wickedly, they conceal violence. Gossip, slander, and deceit create conflict and division. Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers all wrongs (v. 12). This echoes 1 Peter 4:8, which says, “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”
When we choose wisdom, we choose life. But when we speak foolishly, we invite destruction upon ourselves and others.
Old & New Testament Connection
This principle isn’t just in Proverbs. Psalm 37:30-31 says, “The mouths of the righteous utter wisdom, and their tongues speak what is just. The law of their God is in their hearts; their feet do not slip.” God’s wisdom is not just about speaking correctly but living righteously.
In the New Testament, Jesus warns about the power of words:
“The mouth speaks what the heart is full of” (Luke 6:45, NIV). If we want our words to reflect life, our hearts must be filled with Christ.
Reflection & Challenge
“A wise person understands that every word spoken is a seed sown. Speak life, plant wisdom, and let love be your legacy.” ____Sherrie T.
Think about your daily conversations. Are they life-giving? Are they marked by wisdom and love, or do they bring division?
Here’s your challenge:
- Monitor Your Words – Watch how you speak to others this week.
- Seek Wisdom – Spend time in God’s Word, allowing wisdom to shape your thoughts and speech.
- Speak Life – Encourage, uplift, and choose words that reflect Christ’s love.
Lord, help me to use my words wisely. Let my mouth be a fountain of life, bringing encouragement and truth. Teach me to store up knowledge, speak with wisdom, and let love cover all wrongs. Amen.
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