Proverbs 16:19-25

19 It is better to be humble in spirit with the lowly
Than to divide the spoil with the proud.
20 He who gives attention to the word will find good,
And blessed is he who trusts in the Lord.
21 The wise in heart will be called understanding,
And sweetness of [j]speech increases [k]persuasiveness.
22 Understanding is a fountain of life to one who has it,
But the discipline of fools is folly.
23 The heart of the wise instructs his mouth
And adds [l]persuasiveness to his lips.
24 Pleasant words are a honeycomb,
Sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
25 There is a way which seems right to a man,
But its end is the way of death.

Now I don’t know if this is what Solomon intended, but he includes v. 25, where “There is a way which seems right to a man…” This would indicate that it is possible for mankind to be deceived, and we know that is certainly true. So what’s the quandary here? “…sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness.” That can be a good thing, and it can also be used for great evil.

There are plenty of examples of “smooth talkers” who are leading people down a path of destruction. I often watch scam-baiters online, where they are trying to fool scammers, who are likewise trying to fool well-intentioned folks into giving away their hard-earned money. Whatever the scheme, the scammers often employ “sweet talk”, whether romantic flattery, or pretending to be like a son or daughter to an older person.

Certainly we can’t just ignore all persuasive talk, just because some seem to be leading us astray. God gives this gift, along with wisdom, to many, so that those who hear them will follow God’s ways. In all these things, there are two tests we can apply. First, we need to see if it lines up with God’s word (v. 20), which also means we need to actually open the Book and read.

It’s terribly difficult to fact check anything if you aren’t familiar with the subject matter. We played a game recently that illustrated this, with each person giving two truths about themselves, and one lie. The more we knew them, the easier it was to tell the difference, but otherwise, we were shooting in the dark. So the more we know God and His word, the better we will fare.

Secondly, we must check our motives. Verse 19 reminds us again that it is “better to be humble in spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.” Are we looking for an easy way to get rich? Are we falling victim to someone stroking our ego? Is our focus on us, rather than on God? It’s easy to lose focus, but when we regain that focus, and fix our eyes where they belong, things begin to clear up.

So whether it is a ploy for material goods, or a matter which affects our very soul, we must be diligent. Listen for God’s voice, let Him help you discern what is right, and what is mere chaff. “Be wise as serpents, and innocent as doves.” Check your heart, and keep it tuned to the right “station”. Then you will be proven a “workman who need not be ashamed.”

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