The following is a healthy portion of verses from the book of Proverbs. God is clear about the importance of our tongue. We must learn to bridle it. This was a convicting labor of love.
Godly Ways
The character traits of a person with
a good tongue: The righteous have a (valuable) tongue of pure silver (10:20),
it is a fountain of life (10:11) which produces wisdom (10:31). The wise have a
tongue that brings healing to others (12:18); they have a tongue that makes
knowledge attractive (15:2) and their insight is praised (12:8). A man of
understanding keeps silent (11:12) and controls his lips (10:19). A righteous
speaker thinks before speaking (15:28) and is timely, impactful (15:23; 25:11).
The tongue’s good fruit: A tongue
that heals is a tree of life (15:4). The
power of the tongue gives words of life and bears good fruit (18:21). Guarding
the tongue avoids trouble (21:23) and protects their life (13:3). A gentle
tongue can defeat strong resistance (25:15). A wise heart instructs the tongue
into learning (16:23) pleasant words flow sweet and healing (16:24). When what
is right come from the tongue the inner spirit cheers (23:16). A godly use of
the tongue makes friends with kings (22:11).
Ungodly Ways
The
character traits of a person with an ungodly tongue: A wicked mouth conceals
violence (10:6). A lying witness is dishonest and will perish(14:5; 21:28). A
foolish person lies to conceal their hatred and spreads slander (10:18). The mouth of the wicked contains perversity
(10:32). Evil men are trapped by what they say (12:13); they don’t know how to
contain their thoughts (13:3). The foolish tongue has an absence of reason and
speaks without thinking (12:19); it is publically stupid (12:23). Fools latch
on to more foolishness (15:14). A wicked and foolish tongue just blurts out
(15:2, 28). The wicked tongue tricks people for their own gains (20:14). Lying
to make a fortune is like pursuing death (21:6). A hateful person disguises
himself with his tongue (26:23).
The
tongue’s bad fruit: Foolish lips will be destroyed (10:8,10). Such a tongue
speeds up the day of its destruction (10:14); It will be cut off (10:31). Sin
dwells in excessive speech or tongue (10:19). The mouth of the wicked can tear
down a city (11:11), their words are an ambush (12:6). Lying lips are
detestable to God (12:22). Foolish speech will be disciplined (14:3). Harsh
words stir up wrath (15:1). No knowledge is gained from listening when a fool
speaks (14:7). The foolish tongue responds before listening (18:13). A foolish
vow is rashly made and often taken back (20:25). Lying and flattery are agents
of destruction (26:28).
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