She opens her mouth with wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness. ~ Proverbs 31:26
Every time I read these words, I get convicted. There is so much room for me to grow in this area! Here are some verses that have helped me to get an idea of what the 'wise tongue' is, and what the 'foolish tongue' is:
A foolish woman is clamorous; she is simple, and knows nothing. ~ Proverbs 9:13
In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is wise. ~ Proverbs 10:19
There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, but the tongue of the wise promotes health. ~ Proverbs 12:18
In the mouth of a fool is a rod of pride, but the lips of the wise will preserve them. ~ Proverbs 14:3
The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, but the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness. ~ Proverbs 15:2
The lips of the wise disperse knowledge, but the heart of the fool does not do so. ~ Proverbs 15:7
The heart of the wise teaches his mouth, and adds learning to his lips. ~ Proverbs 16:23
Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace; When he shuts his lips, he is considered perceptive. ~ Proverbs 17:28
A fool vents all his feelings, But a wise man holds them back. ~ Proverbs 29:11
The Wise Person:
Restrains his lips
His tongue promotes health
Uses knowledge rightly
Disperses knowledge
Teaches his mouth, and adds learning to his lips
Holds back his feelings
The Foolish Person:
Is clamorous, simple, and knows nothing
Speaks like the piercings of a sword
There is a rod of pride in his mouth
He pours forth foolishness
Does not disperse knowledge
He is counted wise when he holds his peace
He is considered perceptive when he shuts his lips
He vents all his feelings
The wise restrains his lips, but when he talks, it is with wisdom and knowledge.
The foolish is talkative, and speaks whatever is on his mind. His words are full of foolishness and pride.
Do you know a wise person? What stands out to you about them?
Do you know a foolish person? What stands out to you about them? What is the biggest difference you see between the wise person and the foolish person?
Asking these two questions really opened my eyes. I thought about the wise people I know, and what stood out to me regarding their speech, is that all of them speak gently, kindly, are very good listeners, and ask many questions.
Tell Him So
If you hear a kind word spoken
Of some worthy soul you know,
It may fill his heart with sunshine
If you only tell him so
If a deed, however humble,
Has helped you on your way to go,
Seek the one whose hand has helped you;
Seek him out and tell him so!
If you heart is touched and tender
toward a sinner, lost and low,
It might help him to do better
If you'd only tell him so!
~ Author Unknown
Just Suppose
If all that we say in a single day
With never a word left out
Were painted each night in clear black and white,
It would prove queer reading, no doubt.
And then just suppose 'ere our eyes would close,
We must read the whole record through,
Then wouldn't one sigh, and wouldn't one try
A good deal less talking to do?
And I more than half think that many a kink
Would be smoother in life's tangled thread
If half that we say in a single day
Were left unsaid.
~ Author Unknown
The Arrow And The Song
I shot an arrow into the air, It fell to earth, I knew not where; For, so swiftly it flew, the sight Could not follow it in its flight. I breathed a song into the air, It fell to earth, I knew not where; For who has sight so keen and strong, That it can follow the flight of song? Long, long afterward, in an oak I found the arrow, still unbroke; And the song, from beginning to end, I found again in the heart of a friend.
~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
On Guard
Guard, my child, thy tongue,
that it speak no wrong:
Let no evil word pass o'er it;
Set the watch of truth before it,
that it speak no wrong;
Guard, my child, thy tongue.
Guard, my child, thine eyes;
Prying is not wise:
Let them look on what is right;
from all evil turn their sight.
Prying is not wise:
Guard, my child, thine eyes
Guard, my child, thine ear;
Wicked words will sear:
Let no evil word come in,
That may cause thy soul to sin;
Wicked words will sear,
Guard, my child, thine ear.
~Author Unknown
Words
Words are like kites -
We send them away
On the wing of the air
When we speak or we pray.
Words fly away
For good or for ill;
But we can't pull them in,
Like kites, at our will.
~ Author Unknown
Speak Gently
Speak gently; it is better far
To rule by love than fear;
Speak gently; let no harsh word mar
The good we may do here.
Speak gently to the young for they
Will have enough to bear;
Pass through this life as best they may,
'Tis full of anxious care.
Speak gently to the aged one,
Grieve not the careworn heart
Whose sands of life are nearly run;
Let such in peace depart.
Speak gently to the erring; know
They must have toiled in vain;
Perhaps unkindness made them so;
Oh, win them back again!
Speak gently; 'tis a little thing
Dropped in the heart's deep well;
The good, the joy, that it will bring,
Eternity shall tell.
~ David Bates
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