In what ways can we avoid our mouths "concealing violence"? A Fountain or a Covering? (Proverbs 10:11) “The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.” What Does It Mean to “Conceal Violence”? • Using polite words to hide a bitter, hostile spirit • Masking envy or resentment behind flattery or sarcasm • Speaking in a way that appears harmless yet stirs division (Proverbs 26:24–26) • Allowing hidden anger to leak out through cutting humor, passive-aggressive comments, or subtle threats Guarding the Heart • Saturate your inner life with Scripture—“I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You.” (Psalm 119:11) • Keep short accounts with God; unconfessed sin festers into harsh speech (1 John 1:9) • Invite the Holy Spirit to search your motives daily (Psalm 139:23-24) • Remember that “out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” (Matthew 12:34) Practicing Life-Giving Speech • Speak truth plainly, without spin—“Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor.” (Ephesians 4:25) • Let encouragement outweigh correction—“Encourage one another and build each other up.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11) • Choose gentle answers that disarm anger (Proverbs 15:1) • Bless instead of curse, even when wronged (Romans 12:14) • Turn potential gossip into prayerful silence (Proverbs 17:9) The Daily Checklist: Putting It Into Action 1. Pause before speaking; ask, “Is this true? Is it loving? Is it necessary?” (James 1:19) 2. Replace negative talk with specific words of grace—“Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up.” (Ephesians 4:29) 3. Confess immediately when a harsh or deceptive word slips out (Proverbs 28:13) 4. Seek reconciliation quickly; unresolved conflict fuels violent words (Matthew 5:23-24) 5. End each day by reviewing conversations and thanking God for victories, noting areas to grow (Lamentations 3:40) Final Encouragement The Spirit who made our hearts new can make our mouths fountains of life. As we yield to Him, truth replaces concealment, grace replaces aggression, and our words point others to the Savior who never spoke deceit. |
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