by Bruce Billington

Weekly Devotional 27th of March, 2026

In this session, we will look at Proverbs Chapter 10:11-13.

Proverbs 10:11-13 – “The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.12 Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all transgressions.13 On the lips of the discerning, wisdom is found, but a rod is for the back of him who lacks understanding.”

The right word, spoken at the right time and in the right way, supports or corrects a community in ways that sustain its life (15:1, 23, 17:27). The book of Proverbs explains how wisdom works. These wise sayings all work together to build a life of wisdom. They are parts of the wisdom machine, but it is crucial for us to understand that the primary force powering it is a fear or reverence for the Lord. Solomon made this plain right from the start, quoting in chapter one that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 1:7). 

Righteous people, help and refresh others with their words. Their mouths are a wellspring of life to their recipients. Like a fountain that continually gives cool, refreshing water, righteous people edify others in what they say and how they say it.  

Contrary to this, violence or hatred is the retribution or judgment that wicked people face because of their damaging, injurious words. Their victims will eventually act and shut down their offenders. 

These verses remind us that many conflicts start with words. Someone says something that sparks a dispute with another person or among others, and the situation worsens. Those who cause discord are acting out of hatred, not love. The word translated as “stirs up” means “to awaken.” This proverb highlights dissension that would not have happened if it had not been incited.

People who act in love (which all believers should strive for) let go of matters of conflict – they will not provoke them unless it is necessary to achieve the purpose(s) of the meeting. They aim to be peacemakers, meaning they do not raise issues that they know will cause unnecessary conflict.

It also means that through a love for others and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit, they are not defensive and will seek to find solutions while avoiding unnecessary conflict. Of course, there may be times when a word of disapproval or even a rebuke is necessary, but again, the fact that it is done in love and for the good of the other person should be obvious (2 Timothy 4:2). 

The fact that “hatred stirs up strife, while love buries it and does not dig it up again” is so significant that Paul, James, and Peter all quote it (1 Corinthians 13:5, James 5:20, 1 Peter 4:8).

POSB makes a good comment on this. It says, 

People’s words reveal whether they are wise or foolish. People of understanding—of discernment and good judgment—speak wisely. The wise are able to apply God’s Word to life’s situations and to make the right decisions. Those who desire to be wise recognize this trait in others and learn from the words that come from their lips. People who lack understanding display their ignorance and foolishness in the things they say. They will be chastened for their foolish speaking and actions. Scripture prescribes a discipline, the rod, for correcting children (13:24; 22:15; 23:13–14).

Love is the greatest peacemaker and covers all sins. It will forgive an offence caused by a mistake or a comment made without ill intent. It will overlook any offence committed and quickly make amends if peace is at risk or broken. 

Although this does not mean we can expect a trouble-free life, we must seek peace and pursue it (Matthew 5:9). Working towards reconciliation and harmony among people, rather than returning evil for evil, is pleasing to God.

God bless you.