I am a talker. Sometimes I talk too much. I wonder how many people have wanted to tell me to just shut up. I wonder how many times I have said some things that were not just foolish but dumb. Words that I allowed to come from my lips that caused more damage than good. I’m more than sure there have been plenty of times. I am quick to make a statement and quick to have a response. But I am learning to pay much more careful attention to my words.

This morning, I read Proverbs 10 which has several verses that provide wisdom about speaking. Some that I understand and others that I am seeking more understanding of.

Verse 6 says, “The godly are showered with blessings; the words of the wicked conceal violent intentions.” What do the words of the wicked sound like? As humans we do not know the heart of all Gods children. We can not look at a persons outer appearance and determine wether or not they conceal violent intentions. That is a matter of the heart. So, how do we know what the words of the wicked are? The answer I would give is anyone who does not live or speak the truth of Gods word conceals violent intentions in their words.

Verse 8, “The wise are glad to be instructed, but babbling fools fall flat on their faces.” Oh, I have fallen on my face many of times. I am learning the value of listening to wisdom and instruction. I don’t always get it right but I have also learned from the foolish mistake of babbling. Learning from my mistakes have made a lasting impression on my use of words.

Verse 11, “The words of the godly are a life-giving fountain; the words of the wicked conceal violent intentions.” A fountain provided water that sustains life, the word of the godly give life to those who hear them, while the words of the wicked can lead to death.

Verse 13, “Wise words come from the lips of people with understanding, but those lacking sense will be beaten with a rod.” This one!!! When we lack understanding and good sense we bring harm upon ourselves through what we say. When we do, it hurts!!!

Verse 14, “Wise people treasure knowledge, but the babbling of a fool invites disaster.”

Verse 19, “Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep you mouth shut.”

Verse 20, “The words of the godly are like sterling silver; the heart of a fool is worthless.”

Verse 21, “The words of the godly encourage many, but fools are destroyed by their lack if common sense.”

Verse 31, “The mouth of the godly person give wise advice, but the tongue that deceives will be cut off.”

Verse 32, “The lips of the godly soak helpful words, but the mouth of the wicked speaks perverse words.”

Question:

Do you pay attention to the words that come from your mouth?

Do your words give life or bring about death?