Proverbs 10:17-32

“The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable, but the mouth of the wicked what is perverse.” (Proverbs 10:32, NKJV)

Words carry tremendous weight. Our words can soothe and heal, or they can cut and destroy. Where there are many words, sin is not absent (Proverbs 10:19). Therefore, we should carefully consider what we say.

The lips of the righteous know what is appropriate because they have meditated on God’s words and taken them to heart. They delight in feeding others the good food they have received.

But words that spill over from a wicked heart are perverse, caustic and deceitful. People hurt and destroy others with words that come from pride, jealousy, selfishness or hatred.

“A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.” (Luke 6:45, NKJV)

What are we storing up in our hearts? What are we meditating on? Are we nursing a grudge against someone else? Are we judging others? Remember the warning of Jesus:

“I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” (Matthew 12:36–37, ESV)

What words will justify us on the day of judgment? Those words that are truthful and loving, that build up, encourage and comfort others. Let us begin the day with David’s prayer:

“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer.” (Psalm 19:14, NKJV)