What practical steps can we take to resist "perverse speech" in Proverbs 2:12? Understanding Proverbs 2:12 “to deliver you from the way of evil, from the man who speaks perverse things” • Solomon pictures wisdom as a shield that “delivers” us from voices that twist truth, corrupt morals, and lure us away from God’s path. • “Perverse” (Hebrew tahpukah) means crooked, distorted, or morally contrary speech—anything that bends God’s words or standards. Why Resisting Perverse Speech Matters • Twisted words reshape our thinking (Proverbs 23:7). • What fills the heart spills from the mouth (Matthew 12:34). • A corrupt tongue “sets the whole course of life on fire” (James 3:6). • God hates “a lying tongue” (Proverbs 6:17). Practical Steps to Resist Perverse Speech Fill Your Heart with God’s Word • Daily reading and meditation—Psalm 119:9, 11. • Memorize verses on speech: Ephesians 4:29; Colossians 4:6; Proverbs 15:4. • Listen to Scripture-saturated music and teaching to crowd out crooked words. Guard Your Inputs • Filter entertainment and social media; “no worthless thing” before your eyes (Psalm 101:3). • Mute, skip, or turn off content that normalizes vulgarity, gossip, or deceit (Philippians 4:8). Choose God-Fearing Companions • “Bad company corrupts good character” (1 Corinthians 15:33). • Seek friends who honor Christ with their lips; limit time with chronic mockers or slanderers (Proverbs 13:20). Think Before You Speak • Slow down—“Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak” (James 1:19). • Run forthcoming words through three filters: Is it true? Is it kind? Is it necessary? Replace Corruption with Edification • Positive substitution: share Scripture, encouragement, or thanksgiving instead of sarcasm or crude jokes (Ephesians 4:29; 5:4). • Practice blessing others aloud—Proverbs 16:24 likens gracious words to “honeycomb.” Seek Accountability • Invite a trusted believer to point out lapses (Hebrews 3:13). • Use shared reading plans, small-group studies, or Scripture memory partners to stay sharp. Rely on the Holy Spirit • He empowers self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). • Ask Him moment by moment to “set a guard over my mouth” (Psalm 141:3). Summary Saturate your mind with God’s Word, vigilantly filter inputs, walk with wise friends, weigh every word, replace corruption with grace, and lean on the Spirit’s power. By these steps, the wisdom of Proverbs 2:12 will keep delivering you from every crooked tongue. |
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