Wisdom Below the Surface

Scripture frequently uses the image of a tree to illustrate truths about the life of a man. Visible actions are fruit that identifies the type and condition of the person’s life. Roots are thoughts, beliefs, and desires in the heart that eventually cause the visible fruit that people observe. Of the two, which is more important: the root or the fruit? Certainly, the root is more fundamental to the life and health of the tree. Similarly, what goes on in the heart determines the health of the person. In Proverbs 4:23, Solomon famously admonishes his son, “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” What is below the surface in our hearts matters a lot. Proverbs 12 is a chapter dedicated to peeling back our façade to examine the roots of our life. For this reason I have given Proverbs 12 the title “Wisdom Below the Surface.”

Notice in verse 3, “The root of the righteous shall not be moved.” The first image here is of strength and stability that exists because of righteous roots. This type of root system is nourished by a deep, abiding relationship with Christ. The nourishment, and therefore the relationship, naturally flows out of a deep and sincere love for the wisdom of the Word of God.

Verse 12 includes another “root” reference, this time a root’s productivity. The Bible says “the root of the righteous yieldeth fruit.” I like how the previous chapter, Proverbs 11, mentions that “the fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.” The fruit of a Christian is another Christian. Christians are to be evangelistic. We are called to fish for men. We are commissioned to the ministry of reconciliation. Evangelism is an indispensable part of Christian productivity. To be clear, evangelistic fruit is distinct from the fruit of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5, but it is certainly related. After all, the new birth that follows belief is completely a work of the Holy Spirit.

Verses 3 and 12 teach us two things. One, righteous roots bring stability and productivity because of Christ. Two, and by contrast, a life of wickedness erodes stability and produces evil fruit.

The second image as we continue to go below the surface and push past superficial façades is in verse 5, which addresses our thoughts. “The thoughts of the righteous are right, but the counsels of the wicked are deceit,” verse 5 says. Not everyone offering counsel is telling you the truth. In fact, the counsel of our wicked world is rooted in deceit. This word “deceit” is mentioned three times in Proverbs 12; if you find those instances, circle them. When someone is trying to deceive you, they will work to manipulate your thoughts. Good and evil both know that the thoughts of the righteous are right to the extent that they are thinking on the right things. Philippians 4:8 gives us categories for our thoughts, and 2 Corinthians 10:5 motivates us to flex our mental muscle and control our mind

Third, as we continue to go below the surface, consider the heart. This part of us is named four times in this chapter, but implied numerous other times. If you find each of those direct references, you might circle them too.

Again, Proverbs 12 is pushing past our façades and probing about what’s going on below the surface. This includes our attitude about instruction and reproof. Verses 1 and 15 are essentially asking if we have a teachable heart. Verse 1 mentions love, which is something that ought to flow between the rebuker and the recipient. It is spiritually healthy to set our heart’s affection on heavenly instruction, and to value godly reproof.

How a person responds to reproof determines whether or not he is on the wise road or the fool’s path. Sometimes, when we are rebuked or chastened, we put on that façade of receiving the rebuke well, but the thoughts in our heart matter in those times Do you have a “brutish” heart that hates the reproof, or do you love instruction? If you struggle in this area of your heart, As Proverbs 12 concludes, I encourage you to refer back to and meditate on Proverbs 3:11-15. Those verses have the power to strengthen you by reminding you that part of God’s plan for our Christlikeness includes reproof. God says not to despise reproof, and we should listen. Allow Him to go below the surface, and you will be the wiser for it.