Proverbs 16:23 The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips.
24 Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.
25 There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
26 He that laboureth laboureth for himself; for his mouth craveth it of him.
We see once again the importance of a healthy heart. Jesus stated:
Matthew 15:16 And Jesus said, Are ye also yet without understanding?
17 Do not ye yet understand, that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth goeth into the belly, and is cast out into the draught?
18 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:
20 These are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man.
27 An ungodly man diggeth up evil: and in his lips there is as a burning fire.
It is important for God to do real “heart surgery”. We need a change of heart that can only happen when we turn to God in repentance and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation. That is when the heart is changed. Then it is important to keep the heart healthy. Humility and a steady diet of God’s Truth is important. Of course it is required to yield to His Truth as well.
When you listen to a wise person, you will find that He will be getting wiser all the time. King Solomon wrote many proverbs. He asked God for wisdom, and God granted him that request. The apostle Paul added to his learning after he was saved. He was a blessing then and still is now to those who will humble themselves and receive the truth.
Pleasant words are suitable words. Again, we know God is not interested in flattery. Empty words mean nothing to Him. Pleasant words are those words that are directed by God for a particular person in a particular situation.
Jesus spoke pleasant words to Nicodemus when he came to Him by night. He also spoke pleasant words to the Pharisees when they tempted Him. Pleasant words will feed the soul and they will be health to the bones. When a person is willing to receive pleasant words, it will change him in a good way.
In verse 25 we are further reminded that man can plan a way that seems so right. Achan thought he planned a good way for himself. His plan ended in his death and that of his family. It also caused the death of 36 men of Israel.
Man’s plans are very shortsighted. Seldom do we even attempt to take the bigger picture into our plans. We might spend some time thinking up a plan and as we think about it, it just seems so right. Then we go about setting things into motion for that plan. However, without proper consultation, that plan creates a big mess.
In verse 26 we are reminded that most people go to work because it will benefit them. They want a house, a car, food, clothing, a vacation. God says his mouth craveth it. Welfare bums are too lazy to work. Their mouth still craves things, but they expect them of others. Lost humanity is full of “bleeding hearts” who do not like to see people begging and they readily give them money. Most of those begging are doing so because they are lost and have no real purpose in life. They abuse their bodies and they abuse the gifts that are given to them.
Saved people sometimes need help from others. They appreciate the Lord’s blessings and they demonstrate it in the way they live their lives.
In verse 27 we again see the nature of the ungodly man. He digs up evil. His mouth also is full of filth and destruction. He curses and swears and hollers at others. He does not know how to be a blessing.
It is better to be that wise person who teaches his mouth and adds learning to his lips. Be sure you can be that person. It is only by the grace of God that a person can accomplish that.
Pastor Bartel