Our words can have a powerful effect on others, for better or for worse. Words spoken gently can turn away wrath, but one harsh word can stir up anger (1). Therefore, the author of Proverbs encourages us to shape our words with wisdom. A wise person's speech makes seeking knowledge and wisdom attractive to others (2a). Wisdom directs a person to speak soothing words which can be a tree of life to a suffering person (4a).

In contrast, fools pour out folly with their words (2b) and even feed on that folly (14b). Their perverse words can crush a person (4b). In fact, the New Testament compares the tongue to a destructive fire to emphasize its potential for evil (Ja 3:6). Are your words full of wisdom that bring life to others - or do your words tear others down?

What we say comes from our hearts (Mt 15:18). The heart of a fool is not upright. But the heart of the wise is discerning (14a). A heart that is wise is a heart that fears the LORD and knows that love is better than wealth (16,17). Let us pray for a heart that is wise so that the words we speak may be full of Godly wisdom and life.


Application: Father, please forgive my sins of speaking foolishness and hurting others with my words. Change my heart so that I may speak wisdom.
One Word: A wise tongue