She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
Proverbs 31:26 ESV
Wisdom, as defined by the dictionary, is, "the quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment." The Hebrew word, chokmah, is used 149 times in the Old Testament and refers first to divine wisdom of God and also wisdom of man. With that background, Proverbs 31:26 puts a pretty hefty calling on a woman's life saying, "She speaks with wisdom," (NIV) or, "She opens her mouth with wisdom," (ESV).
This portion of Proverbs 31 tells the characteristics of a woman who fears the Lord. The attribute of being a woman who opens her mouth and has wisdom (not just any wisdom, but Godly wisdom) seems like a daunting task. Do I speak wisdom when my children ask me questions? Do I speak wisdom to my husband when we are discussing how to handle a situation? Do I speak wisdom over my friends in our every day conversations? I know I fail at these things daily, but how do we aspire to speak wisdom to those around us?
The second part of the verse says that the instruction, or teaching, of kindness (lovingkindness) is on her tongue. If the wisdom spoken is Godly wisdom, then the kindness spoken should also reflect that of Him as well! Our Savior approaches us with such great love that we can hardly comprehend it. What we are to portray to those around us is, at best, a weak reflection of that love, but a reflection nonetheless.
Before you react to that argumentative statement from your spouse, get angry with disobedience from your children, or jump to conclusions when talking with a friend, consider the lovingkindness that Christ portrays to us. Speaking words of love, hope, and forgiveness of sin over others is one of the greatest form of wisdom we can portray to a world that needs Jesus.
This week, as you interact with those around you, stop and ask God for wisdom during those difficult conversations. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide your tongue to give loving, wisdom-filled responses.
Article written by Ashley Eason.
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