Proverbs 15:28 The heart of the righteous studies to answer: but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.
‘The heart of the righteous studies to answer: but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.’ The righteous man weighs his words carefully, considering both his thoughts and his response. In contrast, the wicked carelessly spew out the corrupt and thoughtless abominations of their hearts (21:5).
The diligent, through wise planning and steady effort, see their wealth and success increase. But those who are hasty, impatient, and impulsive in their pursuit of gain will ultimately come to lack and failure.
‘Thoughts’ [Hebrew: machshebowth] devices, plans (12:5; 15:26; 16:3; 21:5; Gen. 6:5; Ps. 33:11; 40:5; 56:5; 94:11; Isa. 55:7-8).
God’s thoughts and ways are not like ours (Isa. 55:8-9). From the beginning, He saw that every imagination of man’s heart is vanity (Ps. 94:11) and continually evil (Gen. 6:5). Therefore, we are commanded to hate vain thoughts (Ps. 119:113).
To the wicked, three commands are given (Isa. 55:7): Forsake wicked ways; Abandon unrighteous thoughts and return to the Lord.
These steps define true repentance – the kind that leads to salvation and does not need to be regretted (2Cor. 7:9-10). Anyone who clings to wicked behaviour and corrupt thinking remains in rebellion, separated from God. Such a person continues to commit sins deserving of death and lives under the penalty of the broken law (Mark 6:19-21; Rom. 1:18-32; 1Cor. 6:9-11; Gal. 5:19-21).
Living the Word 