Proverbs 20:15

As I was doing my Bible reading today, I came across a very edifying verse in Proverbs. In 20:15, it reads, “There is gold, and a multitude of precious stones: but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.”

There are some things that I observed from it (without using any commentaries). While precious metals and jewels certainly have their value, wisdom has an exponentially greater value than all of the riches of the world. People can be wealthy and immensely miserable all at the same time. Then there are those who are not rich and yet they can observe and discern and be joyful in the Lord. Of course, this could all be switched around, but there’s not enough time to go over tangents. What I think is the crux of this proverb is that we can say the right thing at the right time when someone really needs to hear something. It’s not so much as having a head knowledge of everything in the world (as can be illustrated by anyone who spends every waking moment of their lives glued to Wikipedia. I’m not saying that Wikipedia is a bad thing, but having an unquenchable appetite for knowledge is a whole different story). Rather, the knowledge that is being spoken of here is where we know how to build someone up. If we have a brother or sister in Christ who is having some serious issues, we may be able to speak Truth to them in a way that builds them up instead of tearing them down. As it is, some well-meaning people have said some things to others who were in difficult circumstances that actually made them worse off than they were before, i.e. “well maybe the reason why you’re not getting what you want is because you have some sort of secret sin that you’re not letting go of (when you can’t even remember what could possibly be holding you back)”. How may times have we heard that one? The speaker had the best of intentions but obviously tore down his or her friend without realizing it, and resentment soon follows (unfortunately). It is that apt word, sentence, or paragraph that can really make someone’s day and which really makes a positive impact in their walk with Christ – even if they’re enduring severe trials and tribulations.

I must admit that I’ve read through Proverbs many times, and I always seemed to miss that one. Yet, by His Grace, Christ opened my eyes to this today, and I am ever so thankful for this. My prayer is that we as brethren would be enabled to do the same for others when it comes to building up others by such means.

God bless you! :)