Proverbs 15 - 1.15.25

Scripture

Proverbs 15:2

The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge,
    but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.

Observation

Far too often I replay conversations in my head and think, “Why did you say that??” I wish my brain was faster, to catch the words before they come out. But the bible says it is not a brain or a tongue issue, it is a heart issue. Matthew 12:34 For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.

Application

As I read Proverbs 15 this morning, I was convicted. Verse after verse talks about the power of the tongue.

A gentle answer turns away wrath,
    but a harsh word stirs up anger.

The soothing tongue is a tree of life,
    but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.

The lips of the wise spread knowledge,
    but the hearts of fools are not upright.

A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict,
    but the one who is patient calms a quarrel.

The heart of the righteous weighs its answers,
    but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil.

I want to be someone who edifies and builds up others. I want to exercise control and give a gentle answer and calm a quarrel. I want to speak wisdom and truth. I want to glorify God in my words and my actions. And that requires work on my heart. I need to spend time bathing myself in God’s presence. I need to ask him to search my heart and root out the sinful thinking. I need to stop and ask for forgiveness the minute something comes out of my mouth that does not glorify him. There are many things that don’t need to be said – but they don’t need to be thought either, and that is where I must fight.

Prayer

Lord, please forgive me for the sin in my heart. I cannot love others and speak truth unless you are in me and with me every minute of the day. Please fill me and change me and use me as an ambassador for you.

- Debbie Dunn