Proverbs 31:26 (AV) — 26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.
What is power? Is the armament a person possesses that makes him mighty? Is it his prowess in articulating arguments? Is it in his ability to powerfully persuade his hearers and mesmerize with his charm? What makes a man powerful?
In a world where might makes right, the Bible presents to us another way. It is called the law of kindness. "A law," according to Baker's Encyclopedia, "is a measure or rule by which we are led to act or are withheld from acting." Our world could use a fresh lesson in this law of kindness.
Solomon prescribes the virtuous woman, and tells us that "She openeth her mouth with wisdom." That means she conjoins her communication with practical know-how and common sense. How often would we speak if we enjoined that precept to our speaking?
Proverbs 18:13 (AV) — 13 He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.
That means it is foolish for us to speak as if we are experts before we understand. Just look up how-to videos on the internet, and you will quickly discover a lot of people who think they know how to do something, but in reality, they are amateurs.
Solomon continues, "And in her tongue is the law of kindness." The tongue is an outlet of the heart. When you read the word tongue in the Proverbs, realize that it means more than just words. It also refers to attitude. The virtuous woman ensures that the law of kindness regulates her heart. The Holman Bible Dictionary has an interesting definition of kindness. It defines it as compassion and faithfulness to one's obligations as well as to relatives, friends, and even to slaves (Gen. 21:23; 39:21; 1 Sam. 15:6).
The law of the Creator is not an option. Any law, for that matter, has consequences both when obeyed or disobeyed. Seeing that God is the Supreme Judge, we owe our obedience to Him first and foremost. When not in accord with God's commandments, man's laws must take the back seat or must be disobeyed outright.
Ephesians 4:32 (AV) — 32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
The benefit derived from obeying this simple law of kindness is that our focus becomes outward. That is how God viewed us when He looked down from Heaven. He saw us wayward, and on our way to hell because of our sin. So He sent His Son. Kindness is considering our obligation to the betterment of those to whom we come into contact daily. We should ask, does my poor attitude warrant my disregard for another fellow human being?
Galatians 6:10 (AV) — 10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
Before that unkind word or attitude leaves our lips, we should ask ourselves, are we obeying the law of kindness?
The negative impact of disobeying the law of kindness is bringing shame and dishonor to the testimony of the Lord. In what ways have we done this by our mistreatment of others? Have we made that right with them? In what ways can we allow the law of kindness to regulate our lives to bring glory and honor to Jesus?
The law of kindness is on the tongue, for love has vowed that never shall one unkind word cross its lips. It refuses not only to speak, but even to hear or to think evil; of the name and character of the fellow-Christian it is more jealous than of its own. My own good name I may leave to the Father; my brother's my Father has entrusted to me. In gentleness and loving-kindness, in courtesy and generosity, in self-sacrifice and beneficence, in its life of blessing and of beauty, the Divine love, which has been shed abroad in the believer's heart, shines out as it shone in the life of Jesus.1
The Law of Kindness
07/31/2020
Day 212: The Law of Kindness
Proverbs 31:26 (AV) — 26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.
What is power? Is the armament a person possesses that makes him mighty? Is it his prowess in articulating arguments? Is it in his ability to powerfully persuade his hearers and mesmerize with his charm? What makes a man powerful?
In a world where might makes right, the Bible presents to us another way. It is called the law of kindness. "A law," according to Baker's Encyclopedia, "is a measure or rule by which we are led to act or are withheld from acting." Our world could use a fresh lesson in this law of kindness.
Solomon prescribes the virtuous woman, and tells us that "She openeth her mouth with wisdom." That means she conjoins her communication with practical know-how and common sense. How often would we speak if we enjoined that precept to our speaking?
Proverbs 18:13 (AV) — 13 He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.
That means it is foolish for us to speak as if we are experts before we understand. Just look up how-to videos on the internet, and you will quickly discover a lot of people who think they know how to do something, but in reality, they are amateurs.
Solomon continues, "And in her tongue is the law of kindness." The tongue is an outlet of the heart. When you read the word tongue in the Proverbs, realize that it means more than just words. It also refers to attitude. The virtuous woman ensures that the law of kindness regulates her heart. The Holman Bible Dictionary has an interesting definition of kindness. It defines it as compassion and faithfulness to one's obligations as well as to relatives, friends, and even to slaves (Gen. 21:23; 39:21; 1 Sam. 15:6).
The law of the Creator is not an option. Any law, for that matter, has consequences both when obeyed or disobeyed. Seeing that God is the Supreme Judge, we owe our obedience to Him first and foremost. When not in accord with God's commandments, man's laws must take the back seat or must be disobeyed outright.
Ephesians 4:32 (AV) — 32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
The benefit derived from obeying this simple law of kindness is that our focus becomes outward. That is how God viewed us when He looked down from Heaven. He saw us wayward, and on our way to hell because of our sin. So He sent His Son. Kindness is considering our obligation to the betterment of those to whom we come into contact daily. We should ask, does my poor attitude warrant my disregard for another fellow human being?
Galatians 6:10 (AV) — 10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
Before that unkind word or attitude leaves our lips, we should ask ourselves, are we obeying the law of kindness?
The negative impact of disobeying the law of kindness is bringing shame and dishonor to the testimony of the Lord. In what ways have we done this by our mistreatment of others? Have we made that right with them? In what ways can we allow the law of kindness to regulate our lives to bring glory and honor to Jesus?
The law of kindness is on the tongue, for love has vowed that never shall one unkind word cross its lips. It refuses not only to speak, but even to hear or to think evil; of the name and character of the fellow-Christian it is more jealous than of its own. My own good name I may leave to the Father; my brother's my Father has entrusted to me. In gentleness and loving-kindness, in courtesy and generosity, in self-sacrifice and beneficence, in its life of blessing and of beauty, the Divine love, which has been shed abroad in the believer's heart, shines out as it shone in the life of Jesus.1
1 Murray, Andrew. Abide in Christ: Thoughts on the Blessed Life of Fellowship with the Son of God. Philadelphia: Henry Altemus, 1895. Print.