The hardest thing to tame in life is our tongue. Proverbs 10 deals directly to the different uses of the tongue specifically with the good and bad use of words. In this chapter Solomon gives much general advice but also gives direct council concerning words. Here are some excepts;
11 The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life,
but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.
14 The wise lay up knowledge,
but the mouth of a fool brings ruin near.
18 The one who conceals hatred has lying lips,
and whoever utters slander is a fool.
19 When words are many, transgression is not lacking,
but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.
20 The tongue of the righteous is choice silver;
the heart of the wicked is of little worth.
21 The lips of the righteous feed many,
but fools die for lack of sense.
Verse 19 is very strong for today’s world. Basically it is this, when people get together and talk a lot more than they should, sin is probable not far behind. In this setting Gossip, slander, malice, lying and many other sins of the tongue are often found. It is not hard because their are a lot of words spoken.
31 The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom,
but the perverse tongue will be cut off.
32 The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable,
but the mouth of the wicked, what is perverse.
Application; be careful when you talk to much, because it becomes easier to sin. Speak truth in love and speak with wisdom.
Don’t speak perverse, sexual innuendo, crass, or cussing words. Speak of that which is acceptable of all ages and places. Speak the right thing.
Tame that nasty tongue of yours, and let your tongue begin to live out in wisdom and proclamation of Christ.
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Thanks for posting a link. Great stuff on your blog.