“From the mouth of the righteous comes the fruit of wisdom” (Proverbs 10:31) (NIVUK)
Wise and encouraging words can be truly enriching and restorative, giving strength and encouragement to the hearer. But a careless word can be destructive, causing pain and regret and often seriously damaging relationships.
Here is some simple advice from Proverbs to help us know wisdom in our speech:
Hold your tongue:
“Whoever derides their neighbour has no sense,
but the one who has understanding holds their tongue.” (Proverbs 11:12) (NIVUK)
“Those who guard their lips preserve their lives, but those who speak rashly will come to ruin.” Proverbs 13:3) (NIVUK)
Don’t talk too much:
“The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint,
and whoever has understanding is even-tempered.
28 Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent,
and discerning if they hold their tongues.”
(Proverbs 17:27-28) (NIVUK)
Speak the truth:
“Lies will get any man into trouble, but honesty is its own defence.” (Proverbs 12:13) (TLB)
Speak with gentleness and kindness:
“A gentle answer turns away wrath,
But a harsh word stirs up anger.” (Proverbs 15:1) (NIVUK)
“Gracious words are like a honeycomb,
Sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” (Proverbs 16:24) (NIVUK)
Let your Speech be life-giving:
“The soothing tongue is a tree of life,
But a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.” (Proverbs 15:4) (NIVUK)
The tongue has the power of life and death,
And those who love it will eat its fruit.” (Proverbs 18:21) (NIVUK)
The Wise Old Owl
(19C nursery rhyme)
A wise old owl lived in an oak;
The more he saw the less he spoke;
The less he spoke the more he heard:
Why can’t we all be like that bird?
Karen Barclay
