The proverb in verse 11 can be flipped for self-examination purposes. Reviewing the words I spoke in my past 24 hours through prayer and meditation I can determine if I was righteous or wicked. If my mouth was a fountain of life for others then I was righteous. If my mouth was overwhelmed with violence towards others then I was wicked.
Jesus’ mouth was a fountain of life. Words like cool spring water flowed from him to others. “The Spirit gives life, the flesh counts for nothing.” Jesus said after feeding the 5,000, “The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life.” Many left Jesus at that time, but the 12 remained.
Jesus asked the 12, “You do not want to leave too, do you?” Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God.” (John 6:63-70) Am I like Jesus speaking words that give hope, faith, and love? Or do I speak words that take away hope, faith, and love?
