Speak What Is Right and True

- Kings (good kings/wise kings/humble kings) take pleasure in words from righteous lips and love/ value those who speak what is true. Most people do appreciate and respect those who are honest, discreet, and upright. Such persons are trustworthy! It's often difficult for powerful people in high position (like kings), wealthy people, and/or famous people (like celebrities) to discern whether someone speaks honestly/sincerely to them or he/she lies/exaggerates to butter them up for his/her own agenda. Whom can they really trust? That's why kings (if they're good, wise, and humble) are well-pleased and delighted with those who are loyal and truthful (even if the truth may hurt). Trustworthiness is precious. Candor is noble and honorable. Kings prefer candor to flattery and pretense. King David attentively listened to Nathan's rebuke and responded with a repentant heart. We can tell that King David appreciated truth-telling people when he said in Psalm 101:7, "No one who practices deceit will dwell in my house; no one who speaks falsely will stand in my presence."
- On the contrary, a bad, unwise, and prideful king would hate one who speaks the truth if that truth points out his errors/sins (ex: King Ahab, King Herod), if it makes him envious (ex: King Saul), etc.
- Words are very important! What we say and how we say reflect our hearts and character. "One who loves a pure heart and who speaks with grace will have the king for a friend." (Proverbs 22:11) "An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips." (Proverbs 24:26) The king (or your boss :)) will love you for your honesty and integrity. We learned last Wednesday that the right words at the right time are as beautiful and desirable as apples of gold in settings of silver (Proverbs 25:11) "The tongue of the righteous is choice silver." (Proverbs 10:20a) "From the mouth of the righteous comes the fruit of wisdom...The lips of the righteous know what finds favor." (Proverbs 10:31a, 32a) Joseph, Daniel, and Mordecai were loved, valued, and favored by kings because of wise & truthful words from their righteous lips. "The heart of the righteous weighs its answers." (Proverbs 15:28a) Think before you speak! May we always speak the truth in love with grace, gentleness, humility, and respect!