Proverbs 15:6-7 (ESV)
6 In the house of the righteous there is much treasure,
but trouble befalls the income of the wicked.
7 The lips of the wise spread knowledge;
not so the hearts of fools.
Solomon begins by contrasting the outcomes of righteousness and wickedness. “In the house of the righteous there is much treasure.” The word “treasure” refers not only to material wealth but also to the many blessings that accompany a life lived according to God’s wisdom. The righteous person enjoys benefits that extend far beyond money. Her home is typically marked by peace, joy, strong relationships, contentment, and the satisfaction of living with a clear conscience before God. While Scripture does not promise that every righteous person will be wealthy, it does teach that those who walk in wisdom possess treasures far more valuable than riches and far more lasting than anything money can buy.
By contrast, “trouble befalls the income of the wicked.” The wicked may accumulate impressive wealth, but their gain is often accompanied by anxiety, conflict, guilt, and eventual ruin. Proverbs repeatedly warns that riches obtained through sinful means or hoarded selfishly provide no lasting security. What appears profitable in the short term often becomes a source of sorrow in the end. Wealth without righteousness may increase one’s possessions, but it ultimately diminishes one’s life.
Solomon then turns from finances to speech. “The lips of the wise spread knowledge.” The image is that of a farmer scattering seed across a field. Wise people do not keep truth to themselves. Having stored up wisdom in their hearts, they generously share it with others. Their words instruct, encourage, correct, and strengthen those around them. Whether speaking to family members, friends, coworkers, or fellow believers, their speech benefits those who listen. Such people are worth hearing because their words are rooted in the truth of God’s word and promote the wisdom of God’s ways.
“The hearts of fools,” however, are entirely different. Since they have rejected wisdom, they possess no true knowledge to offer others. Their speech may be loud, confident, and persuasive, but it lacks lasting value because it is not rooted in God’s truth. The fool cannot spread wisdom because she does not possess it. What comes out of the mouth simply reveals what is already present in the heart.
What about you? Do your words spiritually benefit those who hear them? When talking with your husband, children, coworkers, friends, or fellow believers, do your words point others toward truth? If your character were evaluated solely on the basis of the words you spoke this past week, would the verdict be wisdom or folly? Ask God to fill your heart with his truth so that your words consistently encourage, instruct, and benefit those around you.