What other Proverbs emphasize the importance of integrity in communication? Starting Point—Proverbs 17:7 “Eloquent words are unfit for a fool; how much worse lying lips to a ruler!” Solomon pairs two pictures: empty eloquence in a fool and outright deception before authority. Both violate the bedrock of integrity Scripture insists on for every conversation. Why Our Words Matter God repeatedly circles back to the tongue in Proverbs because: • Words reveal the heart (Luke 6:45 echoes this). • Words set direction—life or death (Proverbs 18:21). • Words either honor or dishonor the God who speaks only truth (Titus 1:2). Below are other Proverbs that press the same lesson of honest, upright speech. Truth versus Lies • Proverbs 12:17 — “He who speaks the truth declares what is right, but a false witness speaks deceit.” • Proverbs 12:19 — “Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.” • Proverbs 14:5 — “An honest witness does not deceive, but a false witness pours forth lies.” • Proverbs 19:1 — “Better a poor man who walks in integrity than a fool whose lips are perverse.” • Proverbs 16:13 — “Righteous lips are a king’s delight, and he who speaks frankly is loved.” Takeaway: The Lord ties lasting security, royal favor, and personal credibility to unwavering truthfulness. Restraint versus Rashness • Proverbs 10:19 — “When words are many, transgression is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise.” • Proverbs 13:3 — “He who guards his mouth preserves his life, but the one who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.” • Proverbs 17:4 — “A wicked man listens to evil lips; a liar gives ear to a malicious tongue.” • Proverbs 21:23 — “He who guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from distress.” Takeaway: Holding back careless talk isn’t silence for silence’s sake; it’s active protection for the soul. Healing versus Harm • Proverbs 12:18 — “There is one who speaks rashly like the thrusts of a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” • Proverbs 15:4 — “A soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.” • Proverbs 25:11 — “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.” Takeaway: Words can be scalpels that mend or swords that maim. Wisdom leans hard toward verbal healing. Peace versus Strife • Proverbs 15:1 — “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” • Proverbs 16:28 — “A perverse man spreads dissension, and a gossip divides close friends.” • Proverbs 11:13 — “A gossip reveals a secret, but a trustworthy person keeps a confidence.” Takeaway: Peace often hangs on a single response—gentle, discreet, and guarded. Listening before Speaking • Proverbs 18:13 — “He who answers a matter before he hears it—this is folly and disgrace to him.” • Proverbs 22:11 — “He who loves a pure heart and gracious lips will have the king for his friend.” Takeaway: Pure motives and gracious speech flow from ears that hear fully and hearts that process humbly. Life and Death in the Tongue • Proverbs 18:21 — “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” The harvest of our words—good or bad—inevitably returns to us. Putting It All Together Integrity in communication is not a side issue; it is daily obedience to the God of truth. Solomon’s scattered proverbs form one unified call: 1. Speak truth. 2. Speak less. 3. Speak to heal. 4. Speak to reconcile. 5. Listen first, then speak. Live those five, and Proverbs 17:7 becomes a warning we never have to wear. |
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