Wise Speech

The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences. Prov 18:21 Watch your words and hold your tongue; you’ll save yourself a lot of grief. Prov 21:23 MSG Prov 10:19 (p.487)

GossipGossip A quarrelsome person starts fights as easily as hot embers light charcoal or fire lights wood. Rumors are dainty morsels that sink deep into one’s heart. Prov 26:21-22

Slander / InsultsSlander / Insults Never slander a worker to the employer, or the person will curse you, and you will pay for it. Some people curse their father and do not thank their mother. They are pure in their own eyes, but they are filthy and unwashed. Prov 30:10- 12

LyingLying Prov 25:18 (also 12:19) Just as damaging as a madman shooting a deadly weapon is someone who lies to a friend and then says, “I was only joking.” Prov 26:18- 19

Over-PromisingOver-Promising Prov 20:25 (also25:14)

FlatteryFlattery To flatter friends is to lay a trap for their feet. Prov 29:5 Prov 27:1-2

NaggingNagging Better to live alone in a tumbledown shack than share a mansion with a nagging spouse. Prov 21:9 MSG

People may cover their hatred with pleasant words, but they’re deceiving you. They pretend to be kind, but don’t believe them. Their hearts are full of many evils. Prov 26:24-25

But the words you speak come from the heart— that’s what defiles you. For from the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, all sexual immorality, theft, lying, and slander. These are what defile you. Matt 15:18-20

Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Matt 11:28 I am leaving you with a gift--peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don't be troubled or afraid. John 14:27

Deal with your own anger first.Deal with your own anger first. An angry person starts fights; a hot-tempered person commits all kinds of sin. Pride ends in humiliation, while humility brings honor. Prov 29:22-23

Be willing to avoid or drop the argument.Be willing to avoid or drop the argument. Avoiding a fight is a mark of honor; only fools insist on quarreling. Prov 20:3

Stay off substances.Stay off substances. Wine produces mockers; alcohol leads to brawls. Those led astray by drink cannot be wise. Prov 20:1

Be gentle.Be gentle. A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare. Prov 15:1

Deal with the issue.Deal with the issue. Starting a quarrel is like opening a floodgate, so stop before a dispute breaks out. Prov 17:14

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Eph 4:29 NIV

EncouragingEncouraging Prov 16:24

ComfortingComforting Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up. Prov 12:25

GentleGentle Prov 25:15

HelpfulHelpful The lips of the wise give good advice; the heart of a fool has none to give. Prov 15:7

CorrectingCorrecting Prov 27:5-6

CarefulCareful The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, But the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things. Prov 15:28 NASB

Defend those in needDefend those in need Prov 31:8

TimelyTimely Everyone enjoys a fitting reply; it is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time! Prov 15:23

A Reputation for Wise Words:A Reputation for Wise Words: Choose a good reputation over great riches; being held in high esteem is better than silver or gold. Prov 22:1 The words of the godly are a life-giving fountain; the words of the wicked conceal violent intentions. Prov 10:11

Wise Speech