Isaiah 57:19 I create the fruit of the lips; Peace, peace to him that is far off, and to him that is near, said the LORD; and I will heal him. Our text tells us that God creates the fruit of the lips; but this must be understood, of course, with a reservation. He does not create the fruit of the lips as we commonly see it, but the good fruit, the true fruit, the fruit worth gathering. Because the natural fruit is so evil it needs the Creator again to step m, and make us new creatures, and our fruit new also, or else it will remain so bad that the verdict upon it must be "Vanity of vanities, all is vanity." And what is that fruit which the Creator produces from a source which is naturally so barren? 1. The sacrifice of thanksgiving (Hebrews 13:15). The fruit of the lips which God creates should be, above all things, praise. 2. Prayer. 3. Testimony. 4. There is one renowned topic upon which the lips ought always to be able to speak, and that is summed up in the two words, "Peace, peace." From the mouth of truth should come kisses of peace, words of peace, the breath of peace. This is the best lip-salve — "Peace, peace." Nothing can so sweeten the breath as "Peace, peace." Nothing can so flavour the palate and delight the heart as this "Peace, peace," felt within, and breathed without. No teeth of ivory, nor lips of coral, are complete in loveliness till over all there glistens the brightness of peace. Fierce speech becomes not loveliness, and threatening and clamour destroy beauty, but the charm of the lips is peace. ( C. H. Spurgeon.) Parallel Verses KJV: I create the fruit of the lips; Peace, peace to him that is far off, and to him that is near, saith the LORD; and I will heal him. |
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