by Elisha Ann Wahlquist, January 27th, 2007
The room was dark and still, and chilly enough to make me snuggle into the warmth of my covers as I settled down to sleep. Before I drifted off, I followed my usual custom of reviewing some of the verses I have memorized. Since I had not gone over Proverbs 31 for a little while, I decided to meditate on it. The familiar verses were meandering after one another, when suddenly a phrase leapt out at my sleepy brain.
"She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness." (Proverbs 31:26)
Instantly, my brain was whirling with the deep meaning of this simple phrase. Kindness is the law of her tongue-it is what directs her speech and actions. Her kindness is not something exercised when she "feels like it," or when things are going smoothly, but it is rather the ruling standard for all times and places.
Strong's Concordance says that "kindness" in this verse is the Hebrew word "hesed," which means "unfailing love, loyal love, devotion, kindness." Hesed is also translated as "lovingkindness," "goodness," and "merciful kindness" elsewhere in the Bible. Unfailing love-what does that bring to mind? Some synonyms of "unfailing" are "bottomless," "boundless," "ceaseless," "consistent," "inexhaustible," and "reliable." "Charity suffereth long, and is kind;" (1 Cor. 13:4). This is love that is so strong that no ripple or disturbance on life's surface can shake or alter it. Consistently, its response to frustrations and adversities is loving and kind. This is the great and awe-inspiring Love that God shows towards His chosen. But how can we mortals demonstrate this kind of love? It is so hard not to respond with irritated, harsh, or merely uncaring words when we come upon a complication, harassment, or annoyance. It does matter, however, if we do or do not have the law of kindness guarding and ruling our tongue. There is a stern warning in James that says;
"If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain." (James 1:26)
When situations arise that threaten to shatter our kindness and love, it is helpful to realize that God has planned every little circumstance in our lives for our good-to build His Christ-like character in us. No matter what horrible or even evil things may come across our path, we need to respond as 1 Peter admonishes:
"Not rendering evil for evil, neither rebuke for rebuke: but contrariwise bless…" (1 Peter 3:9, Geneva Bible)
Those irritating problems are tests-we can either grow in character as we ask God to give us the grace to thank Him for them, or we can become more distant from our Creator as we react "humanly" and become upset, distressed, or hurt. If we do the former, and realize that this incident is for our benefit, we will be building and nurturing a habit-a "law"-of kindness and love that will grow stronger and more beautiful.
There is much more treasure to be delved from this small verse. Matthew Henry's Commentary has the following to say about it:
"In her tongue is the law of kindness. The law of love and kindness is written in the heart, but it shows itself in the tongue. She is full of religious discourse, which shows how full her heart is of another world even when her hands are most busy about this world."
The 1599 Geneva Bible adds, "Her tongue is as a book whereby one might learn many good things; for she delighteth to talk of the Word of God."
There is great power in the tongue, and if we, through the grace of God, have the law of kindness in it, we can be a sweet aroma for Christ, and have an influence on those around us for good. Malachi 2:6 shares an example of this:
"The law of truth was in his mouth, and iniquity was not found in his lips: he walked with me in peace and equity, and did turn many away from iniquity."
If we have the law of lovingkindness ruling in our lives, not only will we be a blessing to those around us, but Proverbs 16:24 says;
"Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones."
As we fear the Lord, knowing that He works out everything for our good, and as we strive to build the law of kindness in our lives, we will be a glorious blessing and an ambassador for our earthly authority and for our heavenly King! Press on, dear sisters in Christ!
I would like to close with an inspiring quote from Matthew Henry's Commentary:
"The fear of God reigning in the heart is the beauty of the soul; it recommends those that have it to the favour of God, and is, in His sight, of great price; it will last for ever, and bid defiance to death itself, which consumes the beauty of the body, but consummates the beauty of the soul." -Matthew Henry's Commentary
