C – WISDOM OF PROVERBS – 3
SPEECH
Knowledge, understanding, and wisdom needs to be used in every aspect of our lives. This is certainly true with regard to our speech. James is not the only book in the Bible that gives a good deal of instruction about our speech. We will find a lot in Proverbs, as well.
Too many words get us into trouble many times. Prov.10:19 Too often a person loves to hear their own voice. Proverbs tells us that transgression is unavoidable when we babble on and on. Jam.1:19 Christians are to be slow to speak. Learning to listen is an art not often learned. When someone else is speaking, we are thinking about what we are going to say next rather then listening and thinking about what the other person is saying. The times we should speak out are much fewer than the times we speak when we should keep quiet and be listening. Prov.18:13
The need to guard our lips is ever present. Prov.13:3 A discerning tongue will say the right thing at the right time and in the right manner. It is dangerous to spout off what we think. This is easy to do. Prov.10:13 Putting up our guard will save us from many a trouble. David realized this in Ps.39:1. Hasty words leave a man with no hope. Prov.29:20 Words can pierce like a sword. Prov.12:18 Rash words have also been described as a flaming fire. Prov.16:27; Jam.3:6
Sometimes our words defame a person’s character. We injure or insult them. This is slander. Prov.10:18 We hide our hate of someone which is wrong in itself and is a sin to even hate in the first place. Matt.5:22 Our associations need to be far away from those who slander and gossip which is unconstrained talk about someone or a groundless rumor. Prov.20:19 Unfortunately, people love to hear these tales but they should not come from a Christian—either revealing or listening. Prov.18:8 No one likes to be talked about behind their back but oh how juicy it is to listen. Prov.25:23
Very close to the above is a false witness. Prov.25:18 A false witness lies. Prov.12:19 Satan is the father of lies and lying is an abomination to God. Prov.12:22 Both a false witness and a liar will receive due recompense. Prov.19:5 Deception is also involved with false witness and lying. A common example of deception: A person calls and the call is unwelcome so another person is asked to tell the caller that we are not present. Prov.24:28 The heart should not be blackened with deceit and hate. Prov.26:24
Pride is described in Prov.25:14. We have no reason to boast for all gifts are from God. 1 Cor.4:7 Pride often causes contention. Prov.18:19; Prov.13:10 (KJV) Strife brings no good. Prov.20:3 It is better to stop a quarrel before strife begins. Prov.17:14 Once strife or contention begins, pride seems to be the fuel that keeps it going because everyone wants to be right. Prov.17:1 Words that are gentle seem to put the fire of contention out. Prov.15:1
Many other warnings about the wrong use of the tongue are given in Proverbs. As we attempt to refrain from these things, let us bring forth from our tongue that which is acceptable. Prov.10:32 Righteous lips are not only profitable to ourselves but to others. Prov.16:13; Prov.16:1
As Christians we are to bear fruit. One way this can be accomplished is through our lips. Prov.12:14; Prov.13:2 Rather than spreading tales of others, a wise tongue spreads knowledge. Prov.15:7 Knowledge from the heart is able to instruct and persuade others. Prov.16:23 Instead of blurting out words without thought, the wise of tongue studies his answer with much thought. Prov.15:28
Proverbs gives many lovely descriptions of a righteous tongue. A silver coffee set is very beautiful. So is a righteous tongue. Prov.10:20 We may have a keepsake ring which we treasure, but a wise tongue is of more value. Prov.20:15 Apples are beautiful in their natural setting, but think of gold apples set in silver. That is the beauty of a word that is spoken in the right way. Prov.25:11 Pleasant words are as sweet as a honeycomb. Prov.16:24
Proverbs states many benefits of a righteous tongue. A Christian is to be a peacemaker. Prov.15:1 gives some advice toward making peace. It is probably safe to say that all of us get anxious. Proverbs addresses anxiety. Prov.12:25 The right answer at the right time brings joy. Prov.15:23 If our words are sweet, we will have more success to persuade others. Prov.16:21
Many more proverbs are given concerning speech; however one of the important ones to consider for our lives is found in Prov.18:21.
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