“Our Ears — Our Heart” Proverbs 17:4
“Our Ears — Our Heart”
“A wicked doer giveth heed to false lips; and a liar giveth
ear to a naughty tongue.” Proverbs 17:4
God tells us of the darkness of the human heart and gives
us a true picture of human nature. The wicked doer, not
content with the stirring of inward lust, will go on to seek other
poisons to salve his growing desires.
Like Amnon, inspired of his own lust, by giving heed to
the false lips of his friend; like Ahab desired his neighbors’
vineyard, he eagerly listened to the counsels of his murderous
wife; so also the Jews gave delighted ears to the flattering
prophets of rebellion. Also, active and intense was the malice
of the ungodly bribing of false witnesses of our Lord. Yet,
there would not be so many open mouths, if there weren’t so
many willing ears to entertain. It is to be remembered, that the
listening ear shares the responsibility of the defiant tongue.
How unlike this is the spirit of true charity contained in the
Gospel, that “Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the
truth ; ” ( 1 Cor . 13 :6 ) .
It was one of the Puritans that rightly said, “I cannot stop
other men’s mouths from speaking evil things; I will either
open my mouth to reprove it, or else I will stop mine ears from
hearing it, and let him see in my face, that he has no room in my
heart.” Oh, may God fill my heart and tongue with His own
gracious spirit and words. – G.K.
Prepared by Roger Fulk, from excerpts from the “Baptist Bread”, 2023 November 13, devotional by author REV. GEORGE KINSEY, Missionary Statesman, Fort Oglethorpe, GA With permission from Tim Green, editor of Baptist Bread.
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