Proverbs 13:3

 

Proverbs 13:3 “He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.”

The ability to talk is one of our great blessings if it is not misused and abused. There are a number of passages that deal with the use of the tongue among which we find the following: Prov. 10:11, 19, 31-32, Prov. 26:20-28,, Matthew 12:34-37, Eph. 4, 25, 29, 31 and, of course, that great passage from James 3:1-12. I love the advice given by the Preacher in Eccl. 3:7—“A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence and a time to speak.”  Have you ever spoken something before really thinking and then immediately wished you could reach out and pull those words back into your mouth?

When we talk about our speech, we are talking about something that is a true index to our faith and commitment to our Lord.  Make no mistake about it, our speech can betray us. ( Mk. 14:70, Matt. 26:73). The words that flow from our mouths will indeed testify to who we are and what we are.  With words spoken, we can promote peace, harmony, love, unity, obedience and strength. Or we can kindle strife, contention, error, destroy unity and peace.

One of the hateful and abominable things listed in Proverbs 6:16-19 is a lying tongue. Paul makes it clear that the child of God must be truthful (Eph. 4:25, Col. 3:8-9).  Solomon tells us that lying lips are abomination to the Lord (Prov. 12:22). Closely aligned with lying words are those of a deceitful nature (Jer. 9:8, Ps. 120:2, Job 27:4). These are words that are spoken to mislead, words to cause someone to believe something that is not true or to not believe something that is true. Following closely on the heels of deceitful speaking is that of tale bearing (gossip) Leviticus 19:16, Prov. 11:13, 1 Pet. 4:15). Madam “Don’t You Tell”, Mrs. “I have heard”. Brother “Rumor” and Brother “They Say” have been around for a long time and unfortunately they are often found among us. We are to avoid these people (Prov. 23:19).  Lend them your ears and you become guilty of their conduct. A long time ago, I do not remember where or when, I came across these words: “If there were no gossipy ears, soon there would be no gossipy tongues”

We need to use our power of speech to glorify our Lord. Speak as the oracles of God (1 Pet. 4:11). Speak that which edifies (Eph. 4:29). Speak words of kindness (Prov. 15:1, Eph. 4:32). Speak words of encouragement. Speak words of truth (John 8:32, 17:17, Col. 3::17, Eph. 4:14-15, 25, Acts 26:25).

It is only fitting to close this Bible Thought with the words of Psalms 19:14: “Let the words o my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer”.

Charles Hicks