Together in Christ: 'Refreshing People' — Proverbs 10:11

Sunday, May 25, 2025

The words of the godly are a life-giving fountain; the words of the wicked conceal violent intentions.

— Proverbs 10:11 NLT

Key Thought

Nothing is more refreshing than cool, clean, spring water on a hot day. For those of us who have decided to follow Jesus as Lord, the cool refreshing water welling up within us is the Holy Spirit. [1] The Holy Spirit gives us a new birth and cleanses us from our past sins. [2] The Spirit also begins to transform our hearts from the inside out based on the righteousness that comes from above. [3] The Spirit produces God's holy fruit in our character [4] and transforms us to become like Jesus. [5] Out of the Spirit's righteousness at work within us, we speak spiritual words [6] intended to bless others according to their needs. [7] This righteousness from the Spirit manifests itself through our actions and our words. [8] The proverb, "The words of the godly are a life-giving fountain," is true! Spirit-led people are refreshing because they have been refreshed!

Unfortunately, without the Spirit's work in a person's life to cleanse them and transform them to become like Christ, they invest their energies in other pursuits. Some begin to hide their hearts' twisted and dark motives through deception. They must hide their violent motives and intentions to gain acceptance. But, hidden things and violent fascination and intentions always come to light. [9]

The point of this proverb? Jesus said it perfectly:

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. [10]

There's no need for deception or violence in the Kingdom of God where righteousness reigns!

[1] John 7:37-39.
[2] John 3:3-7; Titus 3:3-7.
[3] Romans 8:4, 10, 14:17; Galatians 5:5; Titus 3:5.
[4] Galatians 5:22-23.
[5] 2 Corinthians 3:18; Colossians 1:28-29.
[6] Ephesians 5:18-21.
[7] Ephesians 4:29-30.
[8] Romans 8:12-16.
[9] 1 Corinthians 4:5.
[10] Matthew 6:33.

Today's Prayer

Father, I commit to seeking Your Kingdom and Your righteousness above all else and trust that You will work Your goodwill in me. I want to refresh and bless others in the name of Jesus, so please guard my heart because I know that what flows from it [A] reveals either Your goodness and grace in me or the twisted intentions of a heart that does not know Your ways. Please refresh me, cleanse me through the work of the Holy Spirit, and use me to bless others who need Your grace. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

[A] Proverbs 4:23.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Ephesians 4:25-32
  • Ephesians 2:1-10, 5:15-21

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Illustration

Illustration of Proverbs 10:11 NLT — The words of the godly are a life-giving fountain; the words of the wicked conceal violent intentions.

About This Devotional

Together in Christ is a daily devotional that focuses on what Scripture teaches about godly living in relationships.

'Together in Christ' is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.