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STUDY 199

Text: Proverbs 18
17 April 2005

Dear Parents,

THE WAY WE SPEAK
How we speak reveals many things about a person. Let us ponder this insightful text.

The poor man uses entreaties,
But the rich answers roughly.

Proverbs 18:23

1. The estate of “The Poor”

How does the poor person speak? The following observations may be made:-

a) Consciousness of his poverty

The poor man tends to be conscious of the fact that he lacks wealth! This consciousness affects the way he regards himself. In turn it affects the way he speaks!

b) Conscious use of language

The poor man often feels ill at ease in society. If he is in need of certain things, he will use “entreaties.” He will plead or beg for attention to be given that his enquiries be answered, or his needs met!

2. The estate of “The Rich”

How does the rich man speak? We may make the following observations:-

a) Consciousness of his wealth

The rich tend to be conscious of their wealth. Since he has grown up in very secure surroundings, he tends to exude confidence. He is sure of himself. He is never intimidated by anything in life.

b) Conscious use of language

The rich is used to getting his way. He commands. He demands. The poor tend to yield to his whims and fancies! Hence, the rich tends to “answer roughly.” He can be quite demeaning and even rude in the way he speaks to people!

WHAT WE THINK ABOUT AFFECTS US
How we view ourselves affects us! What kind of thoughts then should we have in our mind? Let us be deeply challenged to glory only in our knowledge of God!

Thus says the LORD:
‘Let not wise man glory in his wisdom,
Let not the mighty man glory in his might,
Nor let not the rich man glory in his riches;
But let him who glories glory in this,
That he understands and knows Me,
That I am the LORD…’

Jeremiah 9:23-24

Prayerfully,
Pastor Charlie