#1340. Proverbs 10:31-32 – The Speech of the Wise (29/8/25)

Welcome to this Come to Jesus Daily Devotional where we are continuing in our Wisdom for Life series from Proverbs. 

Today, from Proverbs 10:31-32, we reflect on how our words are the fruit of what we sow into our minds and hearts. 

To watch this devotional, please select the link below. 

i. Words are a form of fruit

The wise have learned how to speak in the right way. Their speech is ‘the fruit of wisdom’ and produces the fruit of wisdom in many others. Fruit, however, is at the end of a complex and long process. For an apple, for example, to be picked to eat, a seed must have been sown, and a tree nurtured to maturity. In fact, it takes 7-10 years for an apple pip to become a fruit-bearing tree - Fruit is not instant!

This is why we shouldn’t be surprised or unduly unsettled when young people sometimes speak foolishly. It may sound patronising, but it’s simply a recognition of how wisdom matures over time — if they choose to listen and grow!

In contrast, the perverse — those who twist truth, gossip, tear down, or stir trouble — will one day be silenced. Whether by being exposed, ignored, or ultimately judged by God, their harmful words won’t last. 

It’s interesting that the word silenced can also be translated (keeping with the tree metaphor) as cut off or pruned. This reminds us of Jesus’ words in John 15:1-8, where God is the gardener who prunes His people so they can become even more fruitful. Part of this pruning may be refining our words — cutting off what is harmful, unhelpful, or foolish, so that what remains blesses others.

In response: Are your words good fruit — producing wisdom, encouragement, and life in others?

ii. The wise have learned to speak truth

Those who walk with God grow the wisdom that pleases Him and builds up others. Their speech reflects grace, kindness, truth, and good judgment. The wicked, by contrast, speak what is perverse — words that distort truth, promote ungodly thinking, and ignore both God’s Word and the good sense written into His world. Their hearts are so shaped by folly that it colours everything they say.

In response: Do your words reflect the wisdom and grace that pleases God and blesses others?

iii. Our words reveal our hearts

These verses remind us: our mouths reveal our hearts. What fills your mind and heart will eventually come out in your words — for good or for harm. If we want our speech to bear the fruit of wisdom, we must fill our hearts with God’s truth, listen carefully, and seek to build others up rather than tear them down.

Let’s pray together: 

“Father, help me to speak words that are wise, kind, and life-giving. Fill my heart with Your truth so that my words reflect Your goodness. May I be known as someone who brings wisdom and favour into the lives of others, for Your glory. Amen.”

Community Group Notes

1. Notices

It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News. 

2. Icebreaker

How has God been speaking to you from His Word this week, and how has this helped you? 

3. Worship together

Let’s begin our time together by lifting our eyes and hearts to worship our great God. Perhaps you have readings and songs that you would like to use together. Let’s be open to the gifts that the Spirit wants to give in order to encourage one another.

4. Study and pray together

Balanced Time Allocation - Please ensure a balanced focus on discussion, SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite), and prayer so that each section is meaningful and fruitful.

Week #12: Proverbs 10:15-10:32. The wise are fruitful.

1. What themes stand out in this week’s section? Identify key ideas and repeated patterns. What is the focus of this section?

2. What promises does God offer, and what warnings does He give? Look for specific encouragements, blessings, or cautions in the text.

3. How does this speak into our lives today? What are the practical ways we could live this out — individually, in our families, in our community?

4. How is God calling you to respond? Consider what this means for your heart, your choices, and your direction.

5. SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite)

• How might the wisdom in this week's section of Proverbs help us to be a light for Jesus?

• Have you had any recent opportunities to Serve, Invest in, or Invite someone toward Jesus? Let’s encourage one another by sharing testimonies of God at work through us.

  
  

6. Let’s pray together: 

• Let’s pray for one another based on our study, and bring before God any other needs or requests for prayer.

• Pray for one another's SIV opportunities and boldness in following the Spirit's promptings.

• Pray specifically for the 'people of peace' in our lives—asking God to open hearts and provide opportunities to speak life and truth.