Proverbs 20:15
Gold there is, and rubies in abundance,
but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel.
Like the previous proverb, this one presents a scenario that goes against the common wisdom of the marketplace. There are those who train to become experts in identifying pure gold and costly jewels. Such items are valued for their beauty, but their market value is based on their rarity. However beautiful a jewel may be, if there are many comparable then its value diminishes.
The lips of knowledge are a precious jewel. In comparison to the amount of gold and costly stones, they are more rare and all the more to be valued. There are many persons who know lots of information; many who are clever. But the lips of knowledge that Scripture has in mind are rare and valuable beyond these others. For this knowledge is that which teaches the fear of the Lord and leads those who listen and obey along the path of eternal life. This knowledge imparts wisdom that is able to discern what is of true value and what is mere imitation. This knowledge blesses and reaps blessing. It cannot be stolen, and the more it is given, the purer and more abundant it becomes in the giver.
But again, it is also rare. For even those who have found the truth of the gospel still mix in false teaching. Even those who think they are imparting the true Word are often imparting worldly wisdom. The lips of knowledge – of gospel wisdom – are precious; and when you hear them, value them for what they are, and adorn yourself with them through obedience. Those are the costly stones most beautiful to adorn.
Psalm 7
Lord my God, I take refuge in you;
save and deliver me from all who pursue me,
2 or they will tear me apart like a lion
and rip me to pieces with no one to rescue me.3 Lord my God, if I have done this
and there is guilt on my hands—
4 if I have repaid my ally with evil
or without cause have robbed my foe—
5 then let my enemy pursue and overtake me;
let him trample my life to the ground
and make me sleep in the dust.[c]6 Arise, Lord, in your anger;
rise up against the rage of my enemies.
Awake, my God; decree justice.
7 Let the assembled peoples gather around you,
while you sit enthroned over them on high.
8 Let the Lord judge the peoples.
Vindicate me, Lord, according to my righteousness,
according to my integrity, O Most High.
9 Bring to an end the violence of the wicked
and make the righteous secure—
you, the righteous God
who probes minds and hearts.10 My shield[d] is God Most High,
who saves the upright in heart.
11 God is a righteous judge,
a God who displays his wrath every day.
12 If he does not relent,
he[e] will sharpen his sword;
he will bend and string his bow.
13 He has prepared his deadly weapons;
he makes ready his flaming arrows.14 Whoever is pregnant with evil
conceives trouble and gives birth to disillusionment.
15 Whoever digs a hole and scoops it out
falls into the pit they have made.
16 The trouble they cause recoils on them;
their violence comes down on their own heads.17 I will give thanks to the Lord because of his righteousness;
I will sing the praises of the name of the Lord Most High.