Our words have the power to build others up or tear them down, reveal what's in our hearts, and point people toward—or away from—God. Proverbs teaches that wisdom is evident in the way we speak through honesty, encouragement, gentleness, and self-control.
James 3:9-10
With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God's likeness. Our of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.
Proverbs 4:1-7
1 Listen, my sons, to a father's instruction; pay attention and gain understanding. 2 I give you sound learning, so do not forsake my teaching. 3 For I too was a son to my father, still tender, and cherished by my mother. 4 Then he taught me, and he said to me, "Take hold of my words with all your heart; keep my commands, and you will live. 5 Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or turn away from them. 6 Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. 7 The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.
To receive wisdom takes an awareness of the value of it. We spend time, money, and attention on what we value!
Empty Words
Empty words are careless, thoughtless and morally unproductive speech.
Proverbs 15:1
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger
Proverbs 15:28
The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil.
Proverbs 12:18
The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
Proverbs 12:22
The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy
Proverbs 15:4
The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit
Proverbs 18:21
Life and death are in the power of the tongue, those who love it will eat its fruit
Matthew 12:33-37
33 "Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit. 34 You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. 35 A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. 36 But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. 37 For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned."
The mouth speaks what the heart is full of.
Proverbs 4:23
Above all else guard your heart for from it is the wellspring of life!
The heart, biblically speaking, is the seat of your mind, will and emotions.nGod is not interested in behavior modification. He is in the business of heart transformation.
Edifying Words
Edifying words are thoughtful, meaningful speech that is motivated by love and truth.
Proverbs 15:1
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger
Proverbs 15:28
The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil.
Proverbs 12:18
The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
Proverbs 12:22
The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy
Proverbs 15:4
The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit
Proverbs 18:21
Life and death are in the power of the tongue, those who love it will eat its fruit
Ephesians 4:29-32
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
