WISDOM OF WORDS (3)

“He who guards his mouth preserves his life, but he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction” – Proverbs 13:3

The WISDOM of WORDS flows from hearts and tongues that are positively intentional in communicating: “He who guards his mouth preserves his life, but he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction” (Pro.13:3). This doesn’t imply to not speak at all, but to speak carefully and thoughtfully, being aware of the audience, and not speaking in anger, while considering costs of communication. The verse is not teaching us how to argue, or how to hold our tongue. It’s demonstrating the power of receiving instruction. Few things are more difficult, yet more important, than learning how to control one’s words. Doing so can keep a person out of trouble and may even save his life. The idea conveyed in this verse is the idea of what we gain by learning to listen. The Lord wants us to have humble and teachable spirits.

It is so easy to get in trouble by not practicing restraint: “Whoever guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from troubles” (Pro.21:23). It is wise to pray as David did: “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my rock and my deliverer” (Psa.19:4). It’s often said that God gave us two ears so we can hear twice as much as we speak!

In addition to speaking guardedly, here are Three Characteristics of the Words of the Wise:

The Wise speak to create Life: “The mouth of the righteous is a well of life...” (Pro.10:11a). Our God-given Power of Speech reflects His Divine Image. God speaks and creates life. We can also speak and create or give life. We’ve received the power to speak life into wearied soul: “But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we SPEAK not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts” (1The.2:4). The Gospel brings Life. Our lips should always extol the Gospel, for this pleases God who tests our hearts.

The Wise speak Truth in Love: “He who SPEAKS TRUTH declares righteousness, but a false witness, deceit... The TRUTHFUL LIP shall be established forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment...Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who deal truthfully are His delight” (vv.17, 19, 22). Wisdom is tied to Truth! Speaking the Truth in Love is a mark of growth in Christlikeness (Eph.4:15).

The Wise speak Gracious and Pleasant Words: “Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones” (Pro.16:24). Colossians 4:6 says, “Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.” Gracious words function like medicine to the sick soul: “Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, but a good word makes it glad” (Pro.12:25). Good communication impacts personal, relational, and communal health.