“When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise. 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 10:19-21)
In these verses, we are reminded of the power of our words and the impact they have on our lives and the lives of others. Proverbs 10:19 begins with a cautionary note: the more we speak, the greater the chance of saying something harmful or sinful. This serves as a powerful reminder to practice restraint and mindfulness in our conversations.
Holding our tongues does not mean we should remain silent in all situations. Instead, it calls us to be intentional with our words, to speak life and truth, and to engage in conversations that uplift rather than tear down. Wisdom often lies in knowing when to speak and when to listen.
Verse 20 highlights the value of the righteous tongue, comparing it to “choice silver.” This imagery emphasizes that our words can possess great worth. When we speak with kindness, encouragement, and truth, we bring value to our interactions and reflect the heart of God. In contrast, the heart of the wicked is described as having little value, indicating that without righteousness, our words can lead to destruction and despair.
Finally, verse 21 paints a vivid picture of the influence our words can have. The righteous not only speak words of life but also nourish those around them. This nourishing aspect of our speech is a powerful calling to be a source of encouragement and support to others. As followers of Christ, we are called to be agents of grace, using our words to build up the body of Christ and share His love.
“Excessive words often lead to sin, while wisdom is found in restraint and thoughtful speech. The righteous use their words as a valuable resource to uplift and nourish others, contrasting with the emptiness of the wicked’s heart.”
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of speech and the opportunity to communicate with others. Help me to be mindful of my words, speaking with wisdom and grace. May my tongue be a source of nourishment and encouragement to those around me. Teach me to hold my tongue in moments of anger or frustration, and to seek Your guidance in all my conversations. Let my words reflect Your love and truth, bringing glory to Your heavenly name. Amen.
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Rob Lavallee
Scriptural Seeds Ministries
Scriptural Seeds Ministries 