21 The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences. —Proverbs 18:21
34 …For whatever is in your heart determines what you say. 35 A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. 36 And I tell you this, you must give an account on judgment day for every idle word you speak. 37 The words you say will either acquit you or condemn you.” —Matthew 12:34-37
1. Foolish words cause
a. Lies
22 The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in those who tell the truth. —Proverbs 12:22
19 Truthful words stand the test of time, but lies are soon exposed. —Proverbs 12:19
b. Gossip
19 A gossip goes around telling secrets, so don’t hang around with chatterers. —Proverbs 20:19
13 A gossip goes around telling secrets, but those who are trustworthy can keep a confidence. —Proverbs 11:13
24 People may cover their hatred with pleasant words, but they’re deceiving you. 25 They pretend to be kind, but don’t believe them. Their hearts are full of many evils. —Proverbs 26:24-25
c. Slander
18 Hiding hatred makes you a liar; slandering others makes you a fool. —Proverbs 10:18
d. Flattery
23 In the end, people appreciate honest criticism far more than flattery. —Proverbs 28:23
5 To flatter friends is to lay a trap for their feet. —Proverbs 29:5
29 Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. —Ephesians 4:29
e. Speaking without knowing all the facts
13 Spouting off before listening to the facts is both shameful and foolish. —Proverbs 18:13
20 There is more hope for a fool than for someone who speaks without thinking. —Proverbs 29:20
2. Wise words give
21 The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences. —Proverbs 18:21
a. Truthful
17 An honest witness tells the truth; a false witness tells lies. 18 Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing. 19 Truthful words stand the test of time, but lies are soon exposed. 20 Deceit fills hearts that are plotting evil; joy fills hearts that are planning peace! 21 No harm comes to the godly, but the wicked have their fill of trouble. 22 The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in those who tell the truth. —Proverbs 12:17-22
b. Timely
23 Everyone enjoys a fitting reply; it is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time! —Proverbs 15:23
c. Trustworthy
13 A gossip goes around telling secrets, but those who are trustworthy can keep a confidence. —Proverbs 11:13
d. Encouraging
25 Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up. —Proverbs 12:25