O Be Careful What You Say

Pay careful attention, then, to how you live—not as unwise people but as wise — making the most of the time, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:15–16 CSB

Proverbs aren’t promises.

Proverbs are words of wisdom for conducting your life.

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. Proverbs 9:10 CSB

Fearing God means to have reverential respect for his awesomeness.

The fear of God should impact what you say.

like a piercing sword; but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Proverbs 12:18 CSB

Speak words of healing

My dear brothers and sisters, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, James 1:19 CSB

Be quick to listen.

Be slow to speak.

Be slow to anger.

A gentle answer turns away anger, but a harsh word stirs up wrath. Proverbs 15:1 CSB

but a lying tongue, only a moment. Proverbs 12:19 CSB

Speak words of truth in love

Anxiety in a person’s heart weighs it down, but a good word cheers it up. Proverbs 12:25 CSB

Speak words of encouragement

“I can live on a good compliment two weeks with nothing else to eat “I can live on a good compliment two weeks with nothing else to eat.” ~ Mark Twain

Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit. Proverbs 18:21 CSB

I tell you that on the day of judgment people will have to account for every careless word they speak. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” Matthew 12:36–37 CSB

Brood of vipers. How can you speak good things when you are evil Brood of vipers! How can you speak good things when you are evil? For the mouth speaks from the overflow of the heart. A good person produces good things from his storeroom of good, and an evil person produces evil things from his storeroom of evil. Matthew 12:34–35 CSB

O Be Careful What You Say