Read Proverbs 15:1-33

“A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, But the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness.” — Proverbs 15:1–2

It turns out that true wisdom is exercised, not from the mind, but from the tongue. How a man uses his tongue is a direct indication of whether he is a wise man or is a fool. The mouth has the power to turn a wrathful situation into one of diplomacy, and the ability to bring forth life instead of iniquity.

Truly, as Christ Himself proclaimed:

“For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.” (Luke 6:45)

A fool will ramble foolish things in swelling words because he is not a student of what he speaks, but a wise man will speak truthfully in few words because he has studied how to answer. Our tongues writes the sentence of our wisdom, or lack thereof, for it cannot but speak of what is found within the heart.

“In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, But he who restrains his lips is wise.” (Proverbs 10:19)

“The heart of the righteous studies how to answer, But the mouth of the wicked pours forth evil.” (Proverbs 15:28)

We must realize that King Solomon is not speaking in hyperboles, nor is he harping on a simple analogy. Rather, the full breadth of the Scriptures declare the great power and potential evil of the tongue. It was the murmuring of only a few tongues that turned the whole nation of Israel away from the promise land! (see Numbers 13:31-32) It was the complaints of the mouth that plagued Israel in the wilderness.! (see Numbers 21:4-6) Oh — how we should learn above all things to guard our mouths, for it has the power to kindle great fires!

“And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell.” (James 3:6)

But the tongue may also be converted into a mighty weapon for God’s glory! When a person is submitted to the Holy Spirit, and uses the knowledge of the Holy Word to speak, they will find that their lips have been touched with the sacred coal that burns from the Altar of Heaven! (see Isaiah 6:5-7)

The tongue which has this holy fire will speak wisely, and only speak what is necessary. Those with sanctified lips will turn away wrath and refresh others like a stream of living water. The words of the wise are pleasant and few, and the conversations of the godly will also be seasoned with grace.

Dear church, do you find yourself in an embittered situation? Then fill your tongue with wisdom to turn away wrath. Do you find yourself in the middle of bickering and gossip? Then do not speak, but withdraw yourself from such evil, as Joshua and Caleb did from the faithless men of Israel. Do you find yourself in a disagreement? Then be slow to speak, and quick to listen.

The proud and foolish speak in many idle words, but the meek and wise speak that which brings forth life and truth. Who you are will be determined by how you speak.

“Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.” (Colossians 4:6)

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