Proverbs 15:1-2 (ESV)
A soft answer turns away wrath,
but a harsh word stirs up anger.
The tongue of the wise commends knowledge,
but the mouths of fools pour out folly.
Proverbs 15:4 (ESV)
A gentle tongue is a tree of life,
but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.
Proverbs 15:7 (ESV)
The lips of the wise spread knowledge;
not so the hearts of fools.
Proverbs 15:14 (ESV)
The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge,
but the mouths of fools feed on folly.
Proverbs 15:23 (ESV)
To make an apt answer is a joy to a man,
and a word in season, how good it is!
Proverbs 15:26 (ESV)
The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD,
but gracious words are pure.
Proverbs 15:28 (ESV)
The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer,
but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.
All the above proverbs say something about the tongue, the mouth or how we talk/respond verbally. Solomon goes to great lengths to remind us and guide us on how to use our tongue. We might wonder if James was reading the proverbs when he penned this for the early church:
James 3:5,6 (ESV)
So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things.
How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell.
In the above proverbs we learn:
1. The tongue is a reflection of the heart. What is in the inside comes out via the tongue.
2. The good use of the tongue can have favorable responses in us and for others.
3. The poor use of the tongue can have adverse impact on us and others.
4. The tongue can bring joy to man and God and self.
5. The one who first ponders with their tongues demonstrates the wisdom of God and the on who does not ponder demonstrates the folly of fools.
Use your tongue wisely. It is a reflection of your walk with God and the demonstration of His wisdom inside you.
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