Proverbs 10:31–32
Solomon said so much about the tongue it’s impossible to digest all that wisdom in one week. And because this slippery little fellow we call the tongue gives us so much trouble so often, it’s fitting that we return to the subject for a second look, this time from a more positive perspective.
Last week we examined several reasons to bridle the tongue. As James 3:2 states, “For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body as well.” In other words, a controlled tongue is the hallmark of maturity. In light of that, how few among us can be truly called “mature.”
In our study last week, we uncovered no fewer than five wrong ways the tongue can be used:
- Deceitful flattery
- Gossip and slander
- Arguments, strife, and angry words
- Boasting
- Verbosity
What a convicting list! As a matter of fact, I know of very few subjects more universally convicting. Learning how to use speech constructively rather than allowing our tongue to wreak havoc in our communities and relationships is an ongoing challenge. Fortunately, the tongue can become a wonderful instrument of grace, peace, love, and kindness. This week, let’s focus on these positive uses of speech as we let Solomon’s sayings add soothing oil to the daily grind of an uncontrolled tongue.
From Living the Proverbs by Charles R. Swindoll, copyright © 2012. Reprinted by permission of Worthy Inspired., an imprint of Hachette Book Group, Inc.
