A Soft Spoken Word (Prov. 25:11,15)

Wise words: Prov. 25:11 says, "A word aptly (fitly) spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver." We know how easy and harmful it can be to speak thoughtlessly and foolishly. Everyone remembers some "horrific, traumatic, wounding" words someone spoke, and some "unforgettable, memorable, encouraging words" someone else spoke. It is surely true that "no human being can tame the tongue" (Jas. 3:8), so in a sense our own speech is a lifelong exercise in damage control! As God's people, may our words be God's instrument to pass along to others the grace and love God has given us (Prov. 25:12,13). In Eph. 4:29 Paul urges us to speak "only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." (A Proverbs Driven Life by Anthony Selvaggio.)

Soft words: Prov. 25:15 says, "Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle (soft) tongue can break a bone." Reacting emotionally, or blowing up in anger with our words is a sad result of our fallenness, that often has irreversible consequences. But with gentleness, tact, diplomacy, and "soft words" much more can be accomplished (Prov. 15:1, 16:32): http://westloop-church.blogspot.com/2010/10/eyes-of-lord-proverbs-153.html Jesus could move the most hardened criminal because of his gentleness and softness unto death (Luke 23:47).

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Are your Words Thoughtful, Timely, and True? (Proverbs 15:1-4)

Prov. 15:1-4 "A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger" (1). Words are gifts of God, given only to man in all of creation. Words used wisely are thoughtful, timely, and true. We should speak the right thing (true) in the right way (thoughtful) at the right time (timely). But if we don't, we invite wrath (1), express our stupidity (2), discourage others (4), even promote evil (28), especially through gossip (Prov. 16:28; 18:8) and slander. When we acknowledge his divine omniscience and guard our heart in the fear of God, God will give us wisdom to use our words to honor God and bless people.

Prov. 15:3 "The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good." That God sees and knows everything about everything and everyone is called divine omniscience. To a believer, it is most encouraging that God sees and knows me. When I am hurt and wounded, there is no greater comfort in all the world than to know that God sees and knows my frail, fragile, wounded heart. But to an unbeliever it is upsetting, dreadful and infuriating that God knows all the goings on in their heart, and that they can never hide from God.

Prov. 15:22 "Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed" (NIV). Proverbs repeatedly encourages us to take advice (Prov. 13:10), listen to advice (Prov. 12:15), and to have many advisors (Prov. 11:14). If we just humble ourselves and learn to listen, we'd be a whole lot wiser. But we fail to listen, and so remain unwise (Prov. 21), when we find it too humbling to listen to advice.