Day 65, Year 1

Transforming Our Mind to Be Wiser

“Excellent speech is not fitting for a fool, Much less are lying lips to a prince.” (Proverbs 17:7 NASB)

There seems to be a shortcut for fools to change, which is learning to speak the words of the wise. However, today’s verse makes it very clear—this could be a dead end. In other words, the key for a person to break away from foolishness and become wise is not in learning a new language or set of vocabulary, but in transforming his or her mind. This transformation is about listening to God’s words with our hearts, examining and changing ourselves accordingly.

There is nothing wrong with excellent speech itself, the problem is whether it comes from the mouth of the wise. Today’s verse points out that the type of person determines what kinds of words one speaks. The Hebrew word nadib for “prince” also means “nobles, noble in mind and character, generous or willing man.” These noble, powerful, and wealthy people do not need to lie. It seems inevitable for people from the lower classes to lie often to make a living. This verse might also hint that the key to fools becoming wise lies in their mind’s transformation, and then give excellent honest speeches.

The “excellent” in today’s verse is yether in Hebrew, also meaning “preeminent, superior, abundant” here. This word reminds us of the wisdom mentioned previously. How could the fools be preeminent? It is difficult, right? One needs to possess these excellent, abundant, outstanding qualities of life in order to be worthy of speaking these preeminent words. As mentioned earlier, to be preeminent in faith, we need to listen at the school of God and integrate what we have learned. Nowadays, there are many opportunities to read wise words that make people’s lives abundant and preeminent. But if people want to speak excellent words, they cannot be impeded by the problems they face. Hence, I believe solving personal problems through faith in Christ is only the first step in attaining His excellence. In this process, believers always need to pay attention to important details, understand the various spiritual truths wholeheartedly, and even overcome temptations and trials. Then we can help others to solve their problems.

Reflection questions:

1) Are you tempted to put on a pleasant facade or a preeminent mask before people? If so, how would you overcome it by relying on the Lord?

2) Do you think your honest life is moving toward God’s abundance and excellence? How do you know your progress?