As we looked at in Part 17 of this study in proverbs, we found that the verses of Proverbs 10:11-32 is prefaced with “The mouth of the righteous is the fountain of Life.” This we recognize as true only because of God’s Grace and Mercy. The gospel is the fountain of living water, with life secured in Christ Jesus. Our step by step sanctification is also an act of Grace on the part of God. As we grow in Christ, we begin to realize that true joy can only be found in Him and He is the greatest treasure that we can ever desire or hope for.
Drawing used with written permission of Ronald Barba. © 2010 Ronald Barba and is protected under copyright laws
As we seek and savor Him as our greatest treasure; then, we begin to love Him and trust Him with all our life, heart, spirit and soul. Our faith in that future grace already purchased by Christ is the power that allows our speech to become a fountain of Life, as people begin to see Christ through us by the work of the Holy Spirit
This has nothing to do with me or any eloquence that I might have; but, is wholly dependent upon God’s Grace toward me. Indeed, too often; I seem to be like Moses with stuttering of speech or Peter who spoke too soon. Yet, Moses lead the Children of Israel out of Egypt; while Peter preached the evangelistic sermon that resulted in over three thousand people being saved in one day. (Acts 2: 40-42) This was Peter; now stepping forth clothed with Christ’s
righteousness, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and given abundant strength from the future grace provided by Christ. This is a power we have as followers of Christ; yet, too often we fail to claim His power over our words. This is also true of written words. How often, I have hit send on an email before proofreading and realizing how desperately wrong the words were and how they would be misinterpreted. After all, there is no inflection of voice in an email. How often have I finished and published a book; only, to later discover a better way of saying it with greater clarity. So, if God did not provide His Grace as to one’s understanding of written or spoken word; no life could come from the mouths or pens of any human. It is his grace that can take our words, though scrambled as they might be and miraculously use them to be fountains of Life to someone else as we spread the gospel. So, it is that the words of our mouth spoken to those we meet each day of this journey can be used to either lead them toward eternal life or eternal death.
So, after that summation of verse 11; let us look at the remainder of the chapter found in verses 12-32. Intermingled among the passages regarding the “words of the mouth” are promises from God for us to cling to. Those who in reverence and awe fear God; seeking Him so as to desire to bring Him Glory are made righteous by the blood of Christ. These righteous are endowed with these promises:
1. Love, forgiveness (Verse 12)
2. Knowledge, discernment (Verse 13, 14)
3. Fortification by God’s Richest Blessings (Verse 15)
4. Life Everlasting with God (Verse 16)
5. God’s guiding, correcting hand to show us the right way (Verse 17)
6. Blessings and Spiritual Wealth freely given to us without toiling. (Verse 22)
7. Fulfillment of the Desires of our hearts (Verse 24) Remember that if Christ is our greatest treasure, our desires have changed to be those of which our loving heavenly Father also desires. He knows what is needed to bring joy to this empty void of a heart.
8. Fortitude to withstand any storm of life (Verse 25)
9. Joy (Verse 28)
10. Refuge from the storm (Verse 29)
11. Eternal Security as we are rooted in Christ, we can never be uprooted. (Verse 30).
Did you know all of those promises were hidden there in those verses in Proverbs? I must say I didn’t; but, I am glad they are there. What about you?
For me, I am so glad that my righteousness, my hope, and my position in Christ is based "On Faith Alone. Listen to this beautiful song by Robert Pierre.
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© 2014 Effie Darlene Barba
Drawing used with written permission of Ronald Barba. © 2010 Ronald Barba and is protected under copyright laws. If you desire copies please go to:
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