Proverbs 10-18 are filled with one example after another, one circumstance, one decision, one action taken by the righteous in contrast with the wicked. “Righteous” refers to those who have believed God and desire to walk in obedience to His commands, to enjoy His favor. “Wicked” refers to those who reject God’s authority over their lives and go their own way.

Today’s read is Proverbs 12. One verse in particular brought to mind a principle that is touched on in both the Old and New Testaments. It is the universal principle of reaping and sowing.

Proverbs 12:14 – A man will be satisfied with good by the fruit of his words, and the deeds of a man’s hands will return to him.

Words and actions have consequences. We reap what we sow.

This is such an important truth to teach our children from a very young age. Decisions have consequences – both theirs and ours. It’s also a sobering admonition to us as adults; our words and actions have power, especially as they affect the hearts of our children.

Here are a few other scriptures that give us some insight into sowing and reaping.

Galatians 6:7-8 – Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.

Every day we have an opportunity to either let our flesh lead our words and actions or surrender to the Holy Spirit and follow His lead. Based on what we choose, we reap corruption (death) or life.

Our flesh says, “Tell them what you really think!” The Spirit says, “Be quiet and let Me handle this.”

Our flesh says, “I want it now!” The Spirit says, “Wait for God’s timing.”

Our flesh says, “I don’t want to do what I know I should!” The Spirit says, “With My help, you can.”

2 Corinthians 9:6 – Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.

This verse applies to more than just physical bounty. When we are stingy with our kind words, our relationships suffer, but when we speak generously in love, we reap great rewards. There’s a concept of filling up one another’s love tanks, whether it be our child, our spouse, or a friend or loved one. Sowing bountifully into one another’s lives can change the atmosphere and character of our marriages, our homes, and our workplaces.

Ecclesiastes 11:4 – He who watches the wind will not sow and he who looks at the clouds will not reap.

Have you heard the definition of “insanity?” It’s doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. This is like watching exercise videos and thinking it’s going to affect your own body! If we want to reap, we must sow.

Psalm 126:5-6 – Those who sow in tears shall reap with joyful shouting. He who goes to and fro weeping, carrying his bag of seed, shall indeed come again with a shout of joy, bringing his sheaves with him.

Galatians 6:9 – Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.

These two verses are an encouragement not to give up sowing, even when we don’t seem to be reaping the expected results. God’s timing is different than ours, and He is the Lord of the harvest. Whether it’s sowing kindness and affection into a struggling relationship or sowing the seeds of the gospel into the minds and hearts of our loved ones, we can trust God to bring the results.

What’s our takeaway?

Today is a good day to think about the words and actions we are sowing, considering the harvest we want to reap. What ARE you reaping? Maybe it’s time to sow a different seed.