Proverbs 12:25 once again reminds us of the power of the tongue, but this time it is for good!
Proverbs 12:25 – “Heaviness [fear; anxiety; sorrow] in the heart [mind; thoughts] of man maketh it stoop [bow down; prostrate; depresses]: but a good [well; better; cheerful; pleasing] word [saying; speech] maketh it glad [brightens; cheers; makes merry; rejoice].”
Solomon paints an all to familiar picture of a man whose heart is heavy with anxieties and cares. His shoulders are stoop, his heart is breaking and matters of this life consume his thoughts. We are not told what brought the man to this condition; however, we are told what can make a difference in his life—“a good word maketh it glad” (12:25b).
I suggest this “good word” is not some hollow affirmation, but God’s Word and promises that, when accepted by faith, give hope and joy to the soul. My friend, we live in a world of hurting souls who need to hear there is still a “balm in Gilead” and His name is Jesus Christ the friend of sinners.
Proverbs 12:26 offers a contrast in the spiritual influence of two men on their friends and companions.
Proverbs 12:26 – “The righteous [just; upright; lawful] is more excellent [to guide; search out] than his neighbor [companion; friend]: but the way [journey; path; course of life] of the wicked [ungodly; guilty; one deserving punishment] seduceth [deceive; to go astray] them [“them” = his neighbor; companion].”
The righteous, law-abiding man, like the prophets of the Old Testament, is bold in his words and his way and manner both guide and urge his friend to take the higher moral road conforming his life and way to God’s Law. The wicked; however, entices his friend to share in his indiscretions, putting not only himself, but others foolish enough to follow him on a path of destruction.
Proverbs 12:28 – “In the way [path; manner; course; conduct] of righteousness [rightness; justice; moral virtue] is life [living]; and in the pathway [path; byway] thereof there is no death [there is eternal life; immortality].”
Verse 20 is a blessed promise to all who know the Lord and choose to live according to God’s Law; to such a man is the assurance that his path is pleasing to the Lord and his life the way to immortality.
Copyright 2015 – Travis D. Smith