Proverb for the Day 18:7 — Did I Say That?!?!

The mouths of fools are their undoing, and their lips are a snare to their very lives.

The focus of this verse is “fools” and their words. It should be of no surprise that their “mouths” and “lips” will get them into trouble.

“Fools” here are not stupid people – but they’re folks who stubbornly continue making bad choices. Not mentally deficient, they’re morally deficient.

When we refuse to learn from our mistakes, there’s no one to blame for our misfortunes but ourselves.

This wise saying notes their problem is what they say. Their mouths “are their undoing, and their lips are a snare to their very lives.”

While I know something about saying really dumb things – and I do relapse in that area more times than I’d like to admit – I have learned from my mistakes and getting better…slowly!

Here at Helping Up Mission, I like to ask how many guys have gotten beaten up, shot or stabbed because of their words. Usually half the class raises their hands.

How many have been arrested because of their mouths – almost an equal number.

How many have lost jobs because of what they said – even more respond in the affirmative.

How many have ruined really meaningful relationships because of words – almost every guy in class!

The power of words…in this case bad words – and here they start in the heart of “fools.” The only real way to stop saying the kinds of things that are so destructive to our lives is to change our hearts.

When I can be honest about who I really am and admit I need help, I’m in a place where God can help me. When I actually look to Him for that help – it will show up!