Check Your Shoes

(Proverbs 11:9 KJV)  An hypocrite with his mouth destroyeth his neighbour: but through knowledge shall the just be delivered.

How do the two parts of this verse connect?  We have certain words that seem to link up as contrasts.  I can see the contrast of “hypocrite” (godless NASB) (2611) and “just” (righteous NASB) (6662).  “Destroys” (7843) works against “delivered” (2502a).  What confuses me is “mouth” (6310) vs “knowledge” (1847).  Also confusing is that the first part effects the “neighbor” (7453) and the second the believer. 

Perhaps this is a reminder that our first priority is to make sure that our lives our in order.  If you have ever flown you have been through the safety instructions given at the beginning of the flight.  One of the things they tell you regards the oxygen masks that can fall if needed.  They tell you that if you are traveling with small children, don’t try to be noble.  Take care of your own oxygen supply before you try to assist them.  The point is that if you pass out because of lack of oxygen you won’t be able to help anyone.

So?  If you live in ignorance your value to the Lord is very limited.  This would seem to open the possibility that if you are really ignorant you need to worry about your own destiny.  Check the shoe.  See if it fits.