Wisdom Speech

Today's readings are from Proverbs 16, 17, 18

Many of the Proverbs deal with something that is "everyday" with us - Speech. The way we talk...not just outwardly, but even within..what we say to our own selves, constitutes our speaking. Proverbs uses language of "the tongue", "speak", "words", etc...to make the point: what we say and how we say it has profound implications to each of us.

"The wise in heart are called discerning, and gracious words promote instruction." (Proverbs 16:21 NIV)

"Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones." (Proverbs 16:24 NIV)

"A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends." (Proverbs 16:28 NIV)

"A wicked person listens to deceitful lips; a liar pays attention to a destructive tongue." (Proverbs 17:4 NIV)

"Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out." (Proverbs 17:14 NIV)

"The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even-tempered." (Proverbs 17:27 NIV)

"The mouths of fools are their undoing, and their lips are a snare to their very lives." (Proverbs 18:7 NIV)

It's fairly obvious that our speech makes a big difference in the way that God's word describes us - wise? discerning? perverse? wicked? It's a choice that begins within our minds and hearts...not just with the tongue.

In a day and time that Twitter, Facebook, even email have allowed people to speak instantaneously and also without regard to thinking...hit the send button and you can't bring it back...that is a recipe for foolishness. It doesn't have to be, but it often is. I'm amazed at the things people will write in an email that they would never say face to face.

Let's learn the proverb of gracious speech that comes with wisdom.

Peace

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