Swahili word of the day: bubujika

Say it with me [boo-boo-JEE-ka]

 

It means bubble up, gush, burst out like in Proverbs 18:4,

The words of a man's mouth are deep waters; the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling {bubujika} brook.

This verse contrasts the words of the ordinary person with the words of the wise person.  Sometimes our words conceal deeper, hidden meanings which can be selfish, harmful or dangerous.  The Hebrew word translated "deep" refers to darkness (Job 12:22), the evil thoughts of wicked men (Psa 64:6), and the mouth of an adulterous woman (Prov 22:14).  All too often we use our words to deceive, mislead, manipulate, or lie.  It happens so naturally we might not even realize the depths of our depraved hearts.  Jesus said, “the evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth what is evil; for his mouth speaks from that which fills his heart” (Luke 6:45).

In contrast, the wise person bubbles over with words which are open, clear, honest, trustworthy, and life-changing.*  "The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life" (Prov 10:11).  When the Holy Spirit regenerates our hearts, we should gush words which “impart grace to those who hear” (Eph 4:29).  Wise words burst forth from a wise heart in an abundant supply.  “The good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth what is good” (Luke 6:45).  "The tongue of the wise brings healing” (Prov 12:18).

 

*Waltke, Bruce K. The Book of Proverbs (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans 2004).