" But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy." James 3:17
The fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, goodness, faithfulness and self control. God says that against such there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23
God uses "fruit" many times in the Scriptures. Jesus tells us that if we do not abide in Him that we will not produce fruit. A branch cannot produce fruit without the vine.
Today as I think upon God's Word about the words we use, I am asking Him to produce His Godly fruit out of my mouth so that others can feast abundantly.
SCRIPTURE:
~Prov 10:31 From the mouth of the righteous comes the fruit of wisdom, but a perverse tongue will be silenced.
~Prov 4:24 Keep your mouth free of perversity; keep corrupt talk far from your lips.
... ~Prov 10:19 Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues.
OBSERVATIONS:
1. When we are right with God with His breastplate of Righteousness over our hearts (His Righteousness and not our own), the fruit of wisdom will come out of our mouth.
2. We are not to use our mouth for perverse and corrupt talk
3. To be prudent is to exercise good judgement; and showing care and thought for the future.
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APPLICATION:
A prudent person does not just show care for today and what is happening. Many times the words we speak today produce a bad harvest in the future. We many not see the effects today. As Women of God, we need to not do and say whatever we feel today. We are told that what we sow, we will reap. Many times I am sowing "wheat and tares" at the same time. God says that we should not bless Him and curse our fellow brother. There have been times, I have not spoken well of my husband or others. God's Holy Spirit has convicted me, I repent and God produces His fruit in my life as I obediently remain in Him.
There are times, I see fruit that is the direct result of things I said and did. Of course, it brings me pain when I see that a good harvest didn't come in. Many times, I have to confess that my motive was to have a good harvest rather than just being obedient and loving God with all my heart, soul, mind and strength.
Questions to ask before I speak - Fruit of Wisdom
Is what I am speaking full of love?
Is what I am about to speak full of purity/cleanness?
Is what I am about to speak showing joy?to pass on?
Is what I am about to speak showing patience?
Is what I am about to speak kind?
Is the manner in which I am about to speak gentle?
Is what I am about to speak showing God's goodness?
Is what I am about to speak contain self control in amount of words and content to be spoken? Is this the right time and place?
Is what I am about to speak showing God's faithfulness?
Is what I am about to speak hypocritical? Do I think one thing and say another? Resolve this with God first.
Questions to ask before I speak - Perversity
Definition of Perverse -
1. Directed away from what is right or good; perverted.
2. Obstinately persisting in an error or fault; wrongly self-willed or stubborn.
3.
a. Marked by a disposition to oppose and contradict.
b. Arising from such a disposition.
4. Cranky; peevish.
Is what I am about to speak full of envy, jealousy?
Is what I am about to speak boasting?
Is what I am about to speak full of confusion?
Is what I am about to speak contradicting someone? Pray first
Is what I am about to speak spreading a cranky attitude?
Is what I am about to speak full of self?
Examples of Corrupt Talk
Is what I am about to speak showing a lack of moral values?
Is what I am about to speak destructive?
Prayer: Lord, may I be found faithful in abiding with you. I can not produce the good fruit without you. You, Spirit of Truth, examine my heart and reveal any wicked way that is in me. Remove transgression, corrupt talk and perverse talk from me. Thank you that you took these unclean lips and made them pure to declare your praises.
