How can we ensure our words reflect "the mouth of the righteous" daily? Setting the Stage: Proverbs 10:31 in Focus “The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, but a perverse tongue will be cut out.” Why Words Matter • Words reveal the heart (Luke 6:45). • Words can build up or break down (Proverbs 18:21; Ephesians 4:29). • Words will be accounted for (Matthew 12:36–37). Daily Heart Work • Feed on Scripture—wisdom in, wisdom out (Psalm 119:11; Colossians 3:16). • Meditate before speaking—“Let the words of my mouth… be acceptable” (Psalm 19:14). • Confess quickly when speech strays (1 John 1:9). Practical Guardrails for the Tongue • Pause: “Be quick to listen, slow to speak” (James 1:19). • Filter: Ask—Is it true? kind? necessary? (Ephesians 4:29). • Tone: “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt” (Colossians 4:6). • Limit idle chatter—Proverbs 10:19 warns that “sin is not lacking” when words are many. Cultivating a Spirit-Led Vocabulary • Speak Scripture to others—Proverbs, Psalms, and epistles provide ready-made counsel. • Replace complaints with thanksgiving (Philippians 2:14; 4:6). • Offer encouragement daily (Hebrews 3:13). • Bless instead of curse, even in conflict (Romans 12:14). Accountability and Community • Invite trusted believers to correct careless words (Proverbs 27:17). • Memorize verses on speech together; recite when tempted. • Celebrate growth—note moments when wisdom replaced harshness. Looking Ahead Living Proverbs 10:31 is ongoing heart surgery. As Scripture saturates the mind and the Spirit governs the tongue, our words will increasingly sound like the mouth of the righteous, bringing forth wisdom in every conversation. |
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