Proverbs 18:1-3:
1HE WHO willfully separates and estranges himself [from God and man] seeks his own desire and pretext to break out against all wise and sound judgment. 2A [self-confident] fool has no delight in understanding but only in revealing his personal opinions and himself. 3When the wicked comes in [to the depth of evil], he becomes a contemptuous despiser [of all that is pure and good], and with inner baseness comes outer shame and reproach.
Does this sound familiar to you? What this is saying is that when people, by the choice of their free will, choose to go against God's Word, then they will cease to operate in even common sense! They will not only lack good judgement, but they will even despise anything and everything that is good and true and right! Do you see that happening today? Verses 20-21 go on to say this:
20A man's [moral] self shall be filled with the fruit of his mouth; and with the consequence of his words he must be satisfied [whether good or evil]. 21Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and they who indulge in it shall eat the fruit of it [for death or life].
The words that these foolish, stubborn and willfully ignorant people are speaking are bearing fruit in their lives! They don't like the harvest they are reaping, but are blaming anyone and everyone but themselves! They even blame the One, True, Most High, Living, Almighty God of the Bible Who gave them the right to choose for themselves! I choose to be the person who DOES verse 10 and I hope that you do, too:
10The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the [consistently] righteous man [upright and in right standing with God] runs into it and is safe, high [above evil] and strong.
When we do that, then we will be the people of verse 4:
4The words of a [discreet and wise] man's mouth are like deep waters [plenteous and difficult to fathom], and the fountain of skillful and godly Wisdom is like a gushing stream [sparkling, fresh, pure, and life-giving].
Let's be the ones who agree with and speak God's Word, bringing Life into every situation! Amen! Here is Hillsong United with one of my very favorite songs! "Yours Forever":
Shalom in Him!
