Wisdom & Words

I did it again. I cannot believe I just said that. I wish I could take it back.

Everyone has had thoughts like these. Everyone has had moments like this. Everyone has said something they immediately regretted.

Our words matter, and our tongue is very hard to tame.

As we look at wisdom and folly, let's take some time to consider our words.

The wise and the fooling talk differently.

Wise people carefully choose their words, but the foolish speak rashly. The wise know when to stay silent, but the foolish do not. The wise encourage and bless others, but the foolish talk a lot about themselves. The wise build others up with their words, but the foolish cut others down. The wise use their words to inspire and lead, but the foolish use their words to promote themselves.

Here are some verses from Proverbs that speak to this issue:

Proverbs 15:2 – “The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouths of fools pour out folly.”

Proverbs 15:7 – “The lips of the wise spread knowledge; not so the hearts of fools.”

Proverbs 18:6 – “A fool's lips walk into a fight, and his mouth invites a beating.”

Proverbs 18:7 – “A fool's mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to his soul.”

Do you speak with wisdom? How would you evaluate your words? How would you assess your speech? Do you bless and encourage others. Do you build others other? Do you gossip or slander? Do you cut others down? Do you make the most of your words?

God cares deeply about the words we use. Commit today to pursue wisdom in all areas, including the words you use. Pray for self-control and ask for daily help from the Holy Spirit.

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