Verse of the Week - Proverbs15:4 - June 8, 2015

Different translations of the Bible will vary slightly. After checking the Hebrew text analysis at biblehub.com, I found the King James Bible translated the original Hebrew text the closest. 

NOTE: I am not an expert. I am depending upon the experts who wrote the resources that I use.

I like to look up words in the Merriam-Webster dictionary to make sure I understand them correctly. The word "perverseness" means:

1. to be corrupt, or to turn from what is good
2. to be obstinate, stubborn, or cranky. 
3. to be perverted. 

I don't know about you, but meaning two was a little shocking. Personally, I have never connected being obstinate, stubborn, or cranky  with being corrupt and perverted. Have you? 

To be honest, I am somewhat stubborn, obstinate, and occasionally cranky. I have always categorized these as "character traits", not as "turning from what is good, or corrupt. Seriously, I am a little stunned to learn that being stubborn, obstinate, and cranky can cause a "breach in the spirit". 

Wesley's Notes for the verse says,

... A breach - Disturbs and wounds the spirits, both of the speaker and hearers.

The words we speak have an effect upon ourselves and those who hear what we speak. Today, I include what we post online as speaking, too. Jesus  told us to watch what we speak when he said:
"So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you,for this sums up the Law and the Prophets." 
Matthew 7:12 NIV