Introduction
Before getting into the meaning of Proverbs 12:13, here’s different Bible translations:
King James Version
The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips: but the just shall come out of trouble.
American Standard Version
In the transgression of the lips is a snare to the evil man; But the righteous shall come out of trouble.
World English Bible version
An evil man is trapped by sinfulness of lips, but the righteous shall come out of trouble.
Proverbs 12:13 Meaning & Commentary
An evil man is ensnared by the transgression of his lips, but the righteous escapes from trouble. Proverbs 12:13 (ESV)
Our words are powerful – The Bible says that we will eat the fruit of our words: Proverbs 13:2 From the fruit of his mouth a man eats what is good, but the desire of the treacherous is for violence.
The book of Proverbs also teaches us that our words can do a lot more than bear fruit in our lives – they can also cause us to end up in situations we do not want to be in: Proverbs 18:6 A fool’s lips walk into a fight, and his mouth invites a beating.
This scripture is an excellent example of how our words can place us in situations and circumstances we do not want to be in. We can talk our way into or out of bad situations.
Not only that, but it is by our words that we are saved, or by our words that we are judged: Romans 10:10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.
When Jesus spoke on the power of words, he said our words would either justify or condemn us: Matthew 12:37 for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.
Although righteous people may face trouble, we know that God’s word promises that He will deliver us out of trouble: Psalm 34:19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.
Whether we confess with our mouth unto salvation or speak graciously and with wisdom to get out of tricky situations, the mouth is a powerful vessel God has given us. Let’s trust God to speak His words – words of life: Matthew 10:19-20 When they deliver you over, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour. 20 For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.
Application
How can we practically apply Proverbs 12:13 to our lives?
Firstly, we need to put our trust and hope in God to deliver us of all trouble that we may find ourselves in. Although we may walk through water or fire, The Bible promises us that we will not be consumed: Isaiah 43:2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. “Water” and “Fire” symbolize testing times and trials we may go through in life.
When Jesus was facing the trial of His life, we can learn a lot from what The Bible says and how he responded: John 12:27 “Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour? But for this purpose I have come to this hour. Jesus said “what shall I say” – not what Jesus was thinking or feeling, but His words. At that moment, he chose to submit himself to God’s will and speak in faith – the will, plan, and purpose of God.
The temptation is to walk in our wisdom or ability, but The Bible says that if we trust in God, he will clear our paths and make our ways straight: Proverbs 3:5-6Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
As we put our trust, faith, and hope in God and control the words we speak, we will walk in victory in every area of our lives!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I thank you for the power of Your word, which challenges me to live a Christ-like life. I ask that you help me to guard my heart and speak words that build up and not tear down.
Today, I choose to put my trust fully in you, knowing that you will clear the path ahead of me and cause me to be delivered from every situation or circumstance which would threaten to overwhelm me. I pray and ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen!
