Read Proverbs 16 at Bible Gateway.
A Tale of Two Hearts
1) The heart of the wise:
The preparations of the heart belong to man, But the answer of the tongue is from the LORD. Pro 16:1
A man who prepares his heart, by feeding his heart on the word of the LORD consistently, will have an answer on his tongue from the LORD when he needs it.
A man’s heart plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps. Pro 16:9
A man whose heart is toward the LORD, who regards the LORD, who fears the LORD, will make plans for his future, and the LORD will direct him in His path and in His plan when the time comes.
The wise in heart will be called prudent, And sweetness of the lips increases learning. Pro 16:21
The heart of the wise teaches his mouth, And adds learning to his lips. Pro 16:23
Prudent is in Hebrew, Strong’s H995 , biyn, and means, to separate mentally (or distinguish), that is, (generally) understand: – to attend, consider, be cunning, to discern. Webster’s says, marked by wisdom or judciousness, shrewd in the management of practical affairs, marked by circumspection (careful to consider all circumstances and possible consequences).
Wisdom teaches prudence and teaches the mouth to speak sweetly, which increases the likelihood of people learning from what you are saying.
2) The heart of the proud:
Everyone proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD; Though they join forces, none will go unpunished. Pro 16:5
Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall. Pro 16:18
Better to be of a humble spirit with the lowly, Than to divide the spoil with the proud. Pro 16:19
Proud can mean arrogant, but not necessarily always. A proud man is someone who will not bow the knee or the heart to the LORD, and who is determined to go their own way. A man cannot be wise and proud at the same time; the two are mutually exclusive. A wise man is always a humble man.
Leave a Reply