In what ways can we avoid "perverse" speech as warned in Proverbs 10:32? Understanding Proverbs 10:32 “The lips of the righteous know what is fitting, but the mouth of the wicked is perverse.” Perverse speech twists truth, wounds others, and rebels against the Lord’s standards for holy conversation. Avoiding it is an essential mark of righteousness. Recognizing What God Calls Perverse • Profanity and crude humor (Ephesians 5:4) • Gossip, slander, and back-biting (Proverbs 16:28) • Deception, exaggeration, flattery, and half-truths (Proverbs 12:22) • Malicious or angry outbursts (James 1:20) • Blasphemy or taking God’s name lightly (Exodus 20:7) Guarding the Heart to Guard the Tongue • Luke 6:45—what fills the heart flows from the mouth. • Psalm 119:11—store God’s Word within to crowd out corrupt talk. • Philippians 4:8—dwell on what is true, honorable, just, and pure. Practical Steps to Avoid Perverse Speech • Invite the Spirit’s control: “The fruit of the Spirit is… self-control.” (Galatians 5:22-23) • Set a verbal filter: “Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth.” (Psalm 141:3) • Choose silence when unsure: “Even a fool is considered wise if he keeps silent.” (Proverbs 17:28) • Slow the response time: “Quick to listen, slow to speak.” (James 1:19) • Replace, don’t just remove—speak words that build up (Ephesians 4:29). • Surround yourself with godly companions who model righteous speech (Proverbs 13:20). • Flee environments that normalize corrupt talk (1 Corinthians 15:33). • Confess promptly when you stumble (1 John 1:9). Training the Tongue Daily 1. Begin each morning by reading a short passage and noting one phrase to weave into conversation. 2. Keep a short journal of spoken words you regret and the Scriptures that correct them. 3. Memorize verses on speech—start with Proverbs 15:1; Colossians 4:6; Psalm 19:14. 4. Practice intentional encouragement—aim to affirm at least three people each day. 5. End the day with a quick review, thanking God for victories and seeking His cleansing where you failed. Encouraging Truths to Hold Onto • Proverbs 4:24—“Put away perverse speech from your mouth; keep devious talk far from your lips.” • Proverbs 13:3—“He who guards his mouth protects his life, but the one who opens his lips invites his own ruin.” • Colossians 4:6—“Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” Consistent, Spirit-empowered attention to the heart and habits of speech turns Proverbs 10:32 from a warning into a joyful description of the believer: lips that “know what is fitting.” |
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