A Word to the Wise

As we examined last week what Proverbs teaches us about our words, here are some verses we talked about.

The Power of Speech

Speech is powerful (18:21). It has the power to build up or tear down. James 3:1-12.

Words can encourage and build up. 12:25, 15:4, 10:11, 12:18.

Liz had an interesting thought that our words can come from wisdom and knowledge or from our feelings.

Words can destroy and tear down. 11:9, 11:11, 11:12, 12:6, 10:14. Words penetrate (12:18, 18:8) (cf “Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me” how untrue!), spread (6:12-14, 16:27-28), and trap (29:5, 12:13).

Words can hurt the speaker (12:13, 14:3, 18:6, 18:7).

The Weakness of Speech

Speech cannot substitute for deeds (14:23), alter facts (24:12, 26:23-28, 28:24), or compel a response (17:4 (because the righteous doesn’t heed the wicked words), 17:10, 29:19).

The Usefulness of Speech

Speech can council, benefit you, and is valuable.

The tongue is valuable (10:20, 20:15).

Words can be used to council (13:14, 10:13, 10:31, 15:2, 10:21, 18:1). Council is important because although we think we’re on the right path (14:12), we need others to help us (27:17).

Wise use of your tongue delivers you from trouble (12:13, 14:3 (because he’s not saying foolish or mean things), 12:6).

When you kindly and appropriately use your tongue, you will be blessed as a result (12:14, 13:2, 18:21).

Appropriate Speech

Appropriate speech is honest, appropriate for the situation, and often times none at all.

One reason we should be concerned with speaking appropriately is to communicate the Gospel clearly and graciously (Colossians 4:3-6).

Appropriate speech is honest (19:1, 19:22, 13:5, 11:1, 12:22). God delights in honesty, but hates falsehood.

The result of dishonesty is punishment (19:5).

In addition to being trustworthy, having better relationships, and God delighting in you, the results of honesty include joy (12:20), saving lives (14:25), your children being blessed (20:7), and others rejoicing to be around you because you speak truthfully (23:16). 12:19.

See also 20:6, 10:18, 12:17.

Regarding appropriate speech (10:32), when you speak appropriately, your words are smooth and beautiful (25:11), it calms wrath to bring peace (15:1), and sometimes the best way to have your speech be appropriate is to keep your mouth shut (11:13).

On keeping your mouth shut, consider Mark 9:5-6 where Peter “did not know what to say”, but said something anyway, as well as Proverbs 10:19, 18:2, 11:12, 12:23, 18:13, and 17:28.

Regarding foolish talk, we see that the fool delights in speaking foolishly (15:14), just wants to express his opinion (18:2), and will come to ruin (10:8, 10:10).

We should encourage, speak appropriately to the situation (which might mean not at all), and be honest. In closing, someone noted Ephesians 4:29 as well.

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