These passages contain two Proverbs. The first Proverb says, “He who profits illicitly troubles his own house, but he who hates bribes will live.” This passage indicates that wealth gained through dishonest means will not truly benefit a person or their family. It may enable the acquisition of things. However, such wealth will not satisfy. This person will not be able to truly enjoy their dishonest gain. Quite the contrary, such wealth will lead to hardships for this person and their family. The only wealth that provides true gain and satisfaction is that which is acquired through honest pursuits and hard work.
The second Proverb says, “The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.” The Bible says that we should be ‘slow to speak, but quick to listen.’ The words we speak to others can have a lasting effect. They could be helpful. They could also be very harmful. Being aware of this is the first step in being motivated to think before speaking. A moment of silence to ponder our answer is OK. We don’t need to instantly respond.
Rather, we should be good listeners and give the other person an opportunity to express themselves. We will have ample time to respond. It is important that our response be beneficial rather than harmful. The Bible says that God will hold us accountable for the words we have spoken to others. That is well worth pondering as we converse with others.
