Scripture: “The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable: but the mouth of the wicked speaketh frowardness.” – (10:32)
Observation: There is a lot in this chapter about our mouth and the words we speak. Knowing what to say, when to say it, and how to say it can save someone from a lot of grief. It is clear that Solomon is cautioning his son to “think before speaking” and to speak in a way that reflects righteousness.
Application: Once again, pride seems to be the root of this issue. Pride insists on having the last word in an argument or discussion, and that can be so harmful to those present. First of all, when angry or sarcastic words are spoken in haste, no amount of regret in the world can erase them. Yes, I can apologize all I want, and even be forgiven by the individual(s) I’ve hurt, but the memory of what I said lingers. Secondly, when unpleasant words pop out of my mouth, my Christian testimony suffers. The world will see itself in me, not Jesus, which is contrary to what He desires my testimony to be. My life, including the words I speak, should be a reflection of Him. Consider this… even though Jesus was mocked and reviled, He spoke with words of love. His most incredible words, and perhaps the hardest for Christians to sincerely speak, were, “Father, forgive them…” (Luke 23:34).
As a Christian, I must speak the words that glorify and honor the Lord, and the He finds pleasing. Instructions on how to accomplish this are woven all throughout the Scriptures. Here are a few examples:
- “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. – Ephesians 4:29
- “Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.” – Colossians 4:6
- “A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.” – Proverbs 15:1
- “To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.” – Titus 3:2
- “By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.” – Hebrews 13:15
As Christians, we represent the Lord Jesus Christ 24/7, and godly righteousness should be present in our words as well as our actions at all times.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You, O God, for the teachings in Your Word. Help me to heed it, obey it, and follow it as I go through my life day by day. Help me to be a reflection of Jesus to others through kindness, meekness, and goodness. Let my speech always be “seasoned with salt” and full of Your grace. In Jesus’ precious name, I pray. Amen.
Open my mouth, and let me bear gladly the warm truth ev’rywhere;
Open my heart, and let me prepare love with Thy children thus to share.
Silently now I wait for Thee, ready, my God, Thy will to see;
Open my mouth, illumine me, Spirit divine!
(from “Open My Eyes That I May See” by Clara H. Scott)
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“A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.” – Proverbs 15:4