Bringing forth a Well of Life

The mouth of the righteous is a well of life,

But violence covers the mouth of the wicked.

Proverbs 10:11

The picture a well of life means less in modern culture than it did at the time this proverb was written.  We may never be so far from clean fresh water that we are in the least bit of danger.  That difference is key in understanding how valuable the mouth of a righteous person has become.  Because while water may be very easy for us to come by, a person who is in right standing with God, growing with Him, and speaking words of wisdom is as difficult to come across as ever!  A well of life was rare, a fresh well was a refreshment to the thirsty, and it could mean the lively hood for an entire community.  This is a rich comparison as the person who is in right standing with God through Jesus Christ.  The person who is growing in Christ offers just these things to the world: refreshment, peace, satisfaction and the hope of life.  By contrast the wicked mouth is marked by violence.  Conflict and dishonesty are the destructive forces that cause a person and a community to starve to death.  In considering our daily speech is it most characterized by the image of a “well of life” or is it characterized by violence and conflict?

What a Walk!

He who walks with integrity walks securely,

But he who perverts his ways will become known.

Proverbs 10:9

“Walk” in an important Bible term.  It has to Dow with a persons conduct in life as a whole.  It isn’t simply limited to our intentions or our wishes of what could be true, but it is the actual reality of how we live.  Down to the words we say, the thoughts that we think, and what we do and say when we think nobody is looking.  Once a dear friend of mine said, “I used to get a rush of adrenaline every time I was driving and saw a police car, but now I just wave when I see a police car.”  When asked what caused the change his answer was simple: “I just stopped speeding when I drive!”  Knowing that he was now obeying the law meant that he could have confidence when he saw a police car.  Often times, as believers, we walk around haunted by a guilty conscience.  We walk without security.  Sometimes this is because of real guilt and sometimes this is because of guilt which we have not brought before Christ and received His forgiveness.  Whatever the case, as the believer grows in Christlikeness, there will be an increasing reality of consistent integrity.  Words will be honest, and commitments will be honored, the right thing will be done, regardless of who is looking, and the result is a secure and confident life.  The alternative if the reality that dishonest and ungodly ways do ultimately display themselves.  Like in Edgar Allen Poe’s “Tell Tale Heart” trying to hide ungodliness only rots the life of the one hiding it and ultimately comes into full view most of the time.