I have a custom that I engage many days; I read a chapter in the book of Proverbs that corresponds to the day of the month. For instance, today reading is Proverbs 18. That chapter has no less than 10 verses that caution us about the use of words. Below are just a few with my emphasis added.

The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters; the wellspring of wisdom of wisdom is a flowing brook. – vs. 4

In other words, whatever is deep down in our heart usually springs up through our mouths. Let’s hope it springs up words of wisdom into a flowing brook.

A fool’s mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul. – vs. 7

How many people have been brought down more by what they said than what they did? How many of us have experienced the problems our mouths can produce?

He who answers a matter before he hears it, it is folly and shame to him. – vs. 13

God gave us TWO ears and ONE mouth. Could it be He expects is to listen twice as much as we speak?

Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit. – vs. 21

Sweet fruit or sour, we all wind up eating our words.

However, one that struck me most this morning was verse 2:

A fool has no delight in understanding, but in expressing his own heart. 

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you were so intent on saying what you wanted to say that you weren’t listening to what others were saying? For those of you who have never done that (or who are two prideful to admit it), take it from one with experience . . . it can lead to some embarrassing situations. In his book Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, Steven Covey sets out this principle in Habit #5 – Seek First to Understand, Then to be Understood.

Our words are powerful . . . oh, that God would help us learn to use our powers for good and not for evil.

Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt . . . Colossians 4:6a

God, help us with our words. Help us to say the right things, the right way, and at the right time. And while you are helping us, Lord, help us to know when not to say anything.