We live in an age when there’s a clinic for just about every problem men and women have. There are heart clinics, cancer clinics, wound clinics, sleep clinics and a host of others. In Proverbs 15:1-4, God holds a “speech clinic.” He tells us about four types of the smallest, yet most deadly body parts: the tongue. God tells us what we need to know about the tongue so that we’ll use speech that’s pleasing to Him! Let’s notice the different kinds of tongues:
First, there’s a tender tongue. Proverbs 15:1 says, “A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.” The best way to diffuse a volatile situation is with quiet comments. The best way to stir up a volatile situation is with “harsh” words. When people are in the heat of the moment, they unfortunately make the wrong decision and thus suffer the consequences for a long time.
Second, there’s a thoughtful tongue. Proverbs 15:2 says, “The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, But the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness.” A wise man is one who thinks before he speaks. He uses knowledge correctly. A fool doesn’t think, but keeps talking! He pours out foolishness.
Third, there’s a tested tongue. Proverbs 15:3 says, “The eyes of the Lord are in every place, Keeping watch on the evil and the good.” No matter what we say, the Lord hears us! God’s always listening and evaluating our words. We had better be very careful of the gossip that’s spread or of sowing discord among brethren. You may think it was only stated to a couple of people, but most importantly, the Lord heard and will hold you in account.
Fourth, there’s a true tongue. Proverbs 15:4 says, “A wholesome tongue is a tree of life, But perverseness in it breaks the spirit.” A wholesome tongue is full of life. A perverse tongue breaks the spirit. Profanity is ugly and vulgar. It should never to be heard coming from the lips of one who consider themself a Christian. Instead, our words should be what soothes and heals people. Our words should be what encourages, instead of always being negative, critical, and bitter.
James 3:5-6 says, “Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell.” Always have a tongue that’s used to praise and glorify God. And then on the other hand, refrain from using it in a sinful way.
Kyle Campbell