Key scripture – “From a wise mind comes wise speech; the words of the wise are persuasive.” (Proverbs 16:23).

Are you careful about what you say to other people and what you say about other people?

In Proverbs 16:20-30, the wise person is contrasted with the unwise. The way people talk can reveal a lot about them. What comes out of your mouth is what is in your heart. It’s often through words that a person is exposed as wise or foolish.

Jesus said, “Are you still lacking in understanding also? Do you not understand that everything that goes into the mouth passes into the stomach, and is eliminated? But the things that proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and those defile the man. For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, slanders. These are the things which defile the man.” (Matthew 15:16-20a).

The wise person discerns and knows when and how to speak a timely word. “From a wise mind comes wise speech” (Proverbs 16:23), for “the wise are known for their understanding” (Proverbs 16:21). They’re called “discerning.” (Proverbs 16:21).

The wise person speaks careful, appropriate, pleasant, and gracious words that persuade and instruct—bringing encouragement and life to the hearer.” (Proverbs 16:21-24).

“The wise in heart will be called understanding, And sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness. Understanding is a fountain of life to one who has it, But the discipline of fools is folly. The heart of the wise instructs his mouth, And adds persuasiveness to his lips. Pleasant words are a honeycomb, Sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” (Proverbs 16:21-24).

In contrast, a foolish person is controlled by a tongue that destroys, divides, and deceives. (Proverbs 16:27-29).

“A worthless man digs up evil, While his words are like scorching fire.
A perverse man spreads strife, And a slanderer separates intimate friends.
A man of violence entices his neighbor, And leads him in a way that is not good.” (Proverbs 16:27-29).

Whether having a conversation face to face or blogging in the social media or putting comments on Facebook or tweeting, the words we choose are reflections of who we are and of the God we serve. Paul wrote, “Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.” (Ephesians 4:29).

Wise words flow from God. May we follow His lead in all we say today. I want you to join me in praying this everyday, “Post a guard at my mouth, God, set a watch at the door of my lips. Don’t let me so much as dream of evil or thoughtlessly fall into bad company” (Psalm 141:3-4a. MSG).

Pray this – Our Precious Heavenly Father, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.” (Psalm 19:14). I want to be wise and speak words of wisdom. I want to be a person of knowledge because they know when to be quiet. (Proverbs 17:27). Father, put a lock on my lips and only let me speak words that bless and not curse people. Cleanse my heart of all hurtful, mean, unkind, slanderous, angry words and thoughts. Jesus told us, “The good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth what is good; and the evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth what is evil; for his mouth speaks from that which fills his heart.” (Luke 6:45). I want to build up and encourage people not tear them down. I want my words to be kind and like honey—sweet to the soul and healthy for the body. Holy Spirit guide me, teach me, and show me how to always think before I speak and to never lash out in anger, because the heart of the righteous always ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things. The Lord is far from the wicked, but He hears the prayers of the righteous. (Proverbs 15:28-29). Father, I want You to, “Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips. Don’t let me so much as dream of evil or thoughtlessly fall into bad company. In Jesus’ Name, I pray, Amen.