Articles
Proverbs About Speech
Proverbs About Speech
In the New Testament we are instructed to guard our words.
James 1:26 26 If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless.
James 1:19 19 Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger;
James 3 - Controlling the tongue is difficult -- …
Ephesians 4:29 29 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.
Ephesians 4:30 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
Bridling the tongue means to control what you say. One benefit is that "a soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger" (15:1). Therefore "whoever restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding" (17:27).
Bridling the Tongue and being slow to speak is often accomplished by not speaking! "When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent. (10:19) Therefore "a prudent man conceals knowledge, but the heart of fools proclaims folly. (12:23). "Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent" (17:28). Therefore "whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble" (21:23). Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life; he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin. (13:3).
Being quick to hear and slow to speak is the wise coursebecause " If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame" (18:13).
Particularly the tongue needs to be bridled concerning SLANDER and GOSSIP. Such should not be spoken for "…whoever utters slander is a fool" (10:18). "Whoever covers an offense seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates close friends" (17:9). Likewise "A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends" (16:28). "Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with a simple babbler" (20:19). Yet, such things are so hard to resist for "the words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels; they go down into the inner parts of the body" (18:8). For lack of wood the fire goes out, and where there is no whisperer, quarreling ceases" (26:20).
