out of the heartIn my opinion, the majority of 21st century politicians are hollow in character and bankrupt in integrity.  Like a feather traveling the wind, the whims of popularity and political polls carry unprincipled leaders to and fro.   Follow the careers of the majority of politicians and you will observe political correctness and pragmatism, not principles, driving the politician and his policies.politicians

Solomon’s instruction to his son regarding the character of the wicked in Proverbs 6 is refreshing!   An ancient eastern monarch ruled by decree and King Solomon was not a panderer!  When he defined the character of the wicked, he did so without fear of man!   For the sake of our brief devotional, I will limit my focus to the character of the wicked as portrayed by Solomon in Proverbs 6:12, 14a.

Proverbs 6:12 – “A naughty [wicked; evil] person, a wicked man [morally bankrupt] walketh with a froward [going the wrong way; crooked; perverted] mouth…14 Frowardness [perversity] is in his heart…”

Solomon observes what a common sense man knows—what comes out of a man’s mouth reflects what is in his heart!   Jesus taught His disciples:

WordHearts1Matthew 15:18-19 – But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man. 19  For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:”

A “naughty” wicked man has a froward heart and a froward mouth [meaning perverse or perverted – 6:12, 14a].  He is “naughty…wicked…froward…and froward in his heart”.  His speech is evil, his life immoral and his days full of sin.

Why was Solomon teaching his son that a wicked mouth reflects a wicked heart?  He knew his son would one day sit in judgment and did not want him drawn in by the wiles or the words of the wicked.

My friend, I urge you to do a self-examination of your own words and conversations—they reflect the spiritual condition of your heart!

Copyright 2015 – Travis D. Smith