“Righteous lips are the delight of kings, and they love him who speaks what is right. As messengers of death is the king’s wrath, but a wise man will appease it” (Proverbs 16:13-14).
The New Testament’s counsel is: “Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one” (Col. 4:6). Solomon’s graphic illustration demonstrates the accuracy of this inspired advice.
Kings delight in being told the truth, especially in matters of policy. King Ahaserus, for example, was craftily manipulated by Haman into make a supremely foolish edict which threatened to eradicate a notable portion of his subjects, including his queen (Esther 3). This counsel and the governmental action it prompted made the king look foolish and inept.
Kings also tend to be petty and temperamental. Because of the authority God has given them, they soon can grow accustomed to being treated with extreme deference and abundant flattery. So, how do you tell the king the truth without kindling his wrath and the possibility of losing your life?
SPEAK THE TRUTH WITH WISDOM.
This practice ought not be an occasional feature in your life. Rather, speaking the truth with wisdom ought to be the habit you exercise with everyone you interact with. Prudent lips are essential to being wise.
