The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, but a perverse tongue will be cut out (Proverbs 10:31).

The Proverbs speak strongly and regularly into the subject of speech.  I wonder what the word count from Proverbs would be when it comes to words -- their power for good and evil, their meaning and purpose, the best guidelines for using them wisely.  If I look back on this Proverbs 365 project (down to my last 20 days before completion!), I find no less than 55 different entries (not including today's) dealing with the category of speech!  Suffice to say, it's a significant theme of the Proverbs.

Because I've been so thoroughly soaked in this subject, I can feel like I shouldn't spend any more of my time or energy on trying to treat the topic further.  We've heard enough about mouths, tongues, lips, words, and speech -- haven't we?!?  But then I read Proverbs chapter 10 again, and I realize just how many of the Proverbs' words on words I still haven't covered.  I have talked about how the mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life (v. 11).  I've reflected on the dangers of hatred, lying, and slander (v. 18).  I've talked about the need for economy of words (v. 19).  And I've twice checked in on the ways that a chattering fool comes to ruin (v. 8 and v. 10).  Even so, I've not yet gotten around to discussing the violence that overwhelms the mouth of the wicked (v. 6).  I haven't delved into the contrast between the wisdom that can be found on the lips of the discerning, versus the rod that can be found smack-across the back of the person who lacks judgment (v. 13).  There's another verse that talks about the way a fool's mouth invites ruin (v. 14), and still another that ups the ante, saying that fools die for lack of judgment when it comes to the use of their lips (v. 21).  Two more Proverbs address the stark contrast between the speech of the righteous and the heart/mouth of the wicked (v. 20 and v. 32).  And Proverbs 10:31 says plainly that our words have far-reaching effects for our own lives as well as for others:  "The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, but a perverse tongue will be cut out."  Notice, by the way, that these are all verses from just one chapter of the Proverbs!

So if wise King Solomon felt it necessary to go on and on about the power of words so much, then I suppose I should feel similarly bold in addressing the topic.

Sometimes the medium is the message.  A lot of words about words means that we need to pay some serious attention to our words!  "The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom..."  We have much to gain if our words are used well.  Communication is a vital part of the process of acquiring wisdom.  "But a perverse tongue will be cut out."  If we don't take our words seriously, the consequences can be severe and permanent.  Let us be ever vigilant about our words!  How are you using your words today?  Are you using them in a righteous way or a perverse way?  The choice is up to you -- but the ultimate consequences are not.