How can we apply "tongue of the wise" in daily conversations today? Setting the Verse Before Us “The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool spouts folly.” — Proverbs 15:2 What Scripture Means by “Tongue of the Wise” • A mouth guided by reverence for God and submission to His Word • Speech that passes on truth accurately and attractively • Words timed and tailored to bless the hearer, never to flaunt the speaker (Proverbs 25:11; 1 Corinthians 13:1) • Communication marked by self-control (Proverbs 17:27) rather than impulsive blurting (Proverbs 29:11) Why Every Word Counts • Our tongues display our hearts (Luke 6:45) • Words carry the power of life and death (Proverbs 18:21) • We will give account for careless speech (Matthew 12:36) • God uses sanctified speech to build up His people (Ephesians 4:29) Daily Habits That Cultivate a Wise Tongue 1. Fill the heart with Scripture – “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly” (Colossians 3:16) 2. Listen first, speak later – “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger” (James 1:19) 3. Pray for restrained lips – “Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth” (Psalm 141:3) 4. Aim to build, not to win – “Let everything you say be good and helpful” (Ephesians 4:29) 5. Season words with grace – “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt” (Colossians 4:6) 6. Choose gentleness over volume – “A gentle answer turns away wrath” (Proverbs 15:1) 7. Speak truth in love – “Speaking the truth in love, we will grow” (Ephesians 4:15) Putting It Into Practice • At home: respond to irritation with patient, constructive words instead of sarcasm • At work: give honest feedback that highlights solutions as well as problems • In friendships: offer counsel only after understanding the full story • Online: refuse to post when emotions run hot; draft, review, and edit before sending • In disagreements: affirm shared values first, then address the issue calmly Checkpoints for the Heart • Motive—seek the other person’s good, not personal applause • Tone—gentle enough for correction, firm enough for truth • Timing—wait until the moment benefits the hearer • Content—measured against Scripture, not popular opinion • Effect—does it leave the listener nearer to wisdom or farther away The Fruit of a Wise Tongue • Strengthened relationships built on trust • Atmospheres of peace replacing tension (Proverbs 12:18) • Opportunities to witness because credibility is earned • Personal joy from speaking in alignment with God’s design (Proverbs 16:24) • Glory to God as His wisdom shines through ordinary conversation (Matthew 5:16) Speak as one entrusted with a tool that can heal, guide, and honor the Lord; that is the present-day call of Proverbs 15:2. |
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