Proverbs 16:22-23 Prudence is a fountain of life to the prudent, but folly brings punishment to fools. The hearts of the wise make their mouths prudent, and their lips promote instruction.
“Cautious Whispers” is a figurative and poetic expression that suggests carefully chosen words rather than impulsive or reckless speech. Be cautious about who you share your burdens with – the apathetic, careless and unconcerned will despise you.
Prudence is a “fountain of life”. They are instructions that bring wisdom and understanding to the listeners. The prudent are not just smart in their words and choices but are wise in their hearts. Prudence reveals the condition of a person’s heart. The discipline and diligence of the heart direct the words of the mouth. The words of a prudent person enlighten the hearts of the listeners. Deep within every human heart is a desire to be heard, understood, and valued. A wise heart makes our words a fountain of life.
The wisdom of Daniel was sought after by pagan kings as he was wise, diligent and prudent. The prudence of Daniel made powerful pagan kings bow down in reverential fear of the God of Daniel. King Belshazzar, the grandson of Nebuchadnezzar, called for Daniel when he was baffled at the writing on the wall. The finger of God appeared and wrote the destiny of Belshazzar on the plaster of the wall near the lampstand. Belshazzar used the consecrated golden goblets of the temple of the Lord, as his wine cups for the revelrous party. The judgement of the Lord was pronounced by Daniel, the man of wisdom and prudence.
Daniel’s interpretation of the writing on the wall was not a soothing prophecy but a harsh judgement, yet, at Belshazzar’s command, Daniel was clothed in purple, a gold chain was placed around his neck, and he was proclaimed the third highest ruler in the kingdom (Daniel 5:29). The words of a prudent are the fountain of life.
Cautious Whispers:
- Discipline: A disciplined heart makes the words of our mouth wise and prudent.
- Diligence: Diligence of the heart to conscientiously choose right from wrong makes our mouth the fountain of life.
- Direction: The mouth of the prudent promotes instructions and directions to the weak, lowly and needy.
Prudent heart is the fountain of powerful words.
Prayer: Dear Holy Spirit, bridle my heart to wisdom and make my tongue a fountain of life. Amen.
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