Proverbs 15:2 The tongue of the wise useth knowledge alright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.
The Wood family has read a book titled, The Tongue Our Measure, several times over the years. It’s a book filled with Biblical encouragement and reference that spurs us on in the taming of the tongue. One comment the author makes is, “Speak so that I might see you.” When I evaluate my speech I often ask myself, “When I speak who do other see?” Do they see a woman that fears the Lord, a woman that works out her Salvation with fear and trembling, a woman that offers a soft words in hard times?” In chapter 15 of Proverbs we have multiple references to the correct and wise use of the tongue so that what others see is Him and not mere foolishness. Let’s take a look at some of the references I’m referring too:
Proverbs 15: 1- A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger
The wise will answer wrath with love and a gentle word instead of heated debate
Proverbs 15:2- The tongue of the wise useth knowledge alright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness
A wise man uses the knowledge he/she has to bless others not to belittle them or embarrass them.
Proverbs 15:4- A Wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but preverseness therein is a breach in the spirit
The tongue of the wise is wholesome (not lacking in anything good) offering life to all that listen including the very spirit of the speaker!
Proverbs 15: 7- The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish doth not so.
The wise share their knowledge with others and do not conceal it for their own gain or pride.
Proverbs 15:8- The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord : but the prayer of the upright is His delight
Even the sacrifice of the wicked is unacceptable to the Lord. However, the prayer that is uttered from the upright is what the Lord delights in!
Proverbs 15: 23- A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth; and a word spoken in due season how good it is!
The wise know not only what to speak but when to speak! The wise answer and are not grieved later by what they said in fact they find joy in the answer they gave.
Proverbs 15: 26- The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the Lord but the words of the pure are pleasant words.
The words of the wise are pleasant!! What a delightful image this paints in my mind.
Proverbs 15:28- The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.
The wise study BEFORE they speak instead of after they have poured out evil. Taking time to study our answer before we speak allows us time to consider if what we say is pure, lovely and a good report. For the wise know that in the multitude of words sin is not lacking.
There is so much instruction in this passage to give us a clear picture of the tame tongue. The tongue that honors God and n0t self., the tongue that devotes time to prayer and is a delight to the Lord. If we put into practice what we are told here we will develop a tongue that offers life, knowledge and joy to all that hear! If we are wise and heed this instruction we will ponder our past conversations and only find comfort and joy instead of regret. Let each of us speak so that the world might see HIM!
With much love,
Mrs. Joseph Wood
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