“Whoever conceals hatred with lying lips and spreads slander is a fool. Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues. The tongue of the righteous is choice silver, but the heart of the wicked is of little value. The lips of the righteous nourish many, but fools die for lack of sense.” Proverbs 10:18-21
Our mouth has the potential to make our life miserable and affect our destiny. The tenth verse of this Proverb, says “A chattering fool comes to ruin”.
The more we talk, the more likely we are going to stray into areas of gossip and slander (10:19). Slander is the spreading of false and damaging information about another person as if it were true. Only a fool does that, because sooner or later truth wins out and the slanderer will be discredited and punished (v.18). Gossip, which is the sharing of rumors or information of an intimate, personal or sensational nature, ultimately destroys friendships and creates friction (Proverbs 16:28).
The wise person, however, speaks prudently. The tongue rightly used can nourish or feed others. A compliment or word of encouragement can brighten someone’s outlook or motivate a person to pursue a dream. Sharing the Word of God is another life giving use. Our tongue doesn’t affect only our destiny; it can also change the destiny of those we bless or curse.
It’s a wise person who bridles his urge to blurt out everything on his mind. Even fools are thought to be wise when they keep their mouth shut (Proverbs 17:28).
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