Proper Use of the Tongue
Introduction
The book of Proverbs
offers practical, down-to-earth instruction for daily living, often
likened to a wise father teaching his child. Among its many themes is
the proper use of the tongue. Our words are not insignificant; God
places great value on what we say, how we say it, and when we say it.
Solomon shows us that the tongue can sustain life, bring healing,
provide wisdom, and spread God’s truth—but it can also destroy if
misused.
The Value of
Proper Words
Proverbs 10:11 says,
“The mouth of the righteous is a well of life.” In ancient Palestine,
wells were vital for survival. Our words can refresh and sustain others
in the same way. Proverbs 15:4 describes a wholesome, healing tongue as
“a tree of life,” and Proverbs 12:18 says, “The tongue of the wise
promotes health.” Paul echoes this in Ephesians 4:29, commanding that
our speech be for edification, imparting grace to the hearer. The right
words, spoken at the right time, can strengthen, heal, and encourage.
The Rarity and
Worth of Wise Speech
Proverbs 10:20 calls
the tongue of the righteous “choice silver.” Proverbs 20:15 compares
“the lips of knowledge” to a precious jewel—valuable and rare. Speaking
with wisdom is not common in the world, but it is treasured by God. The
perfect example is Christ, who always spoke exactly the right words, in
the right way, at the right time—whether it was comforting the hurting
or sharply rebuking hypocrisy.
The Right Words
at the Right Time
Proverbs 25:11 says,
“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.” This
describes the beauty and value of the right words at the right time.
Sometimes that word is encouragement; other times it is a needed rebuke.
Proverbs 12:25 shows that a good word can lift an anxious heart.
Proverbs 27:9 compares heartfelt counsel to ointment and perfume,
bringing delight to a friend.
Deliverance
Through Speech
Proverbs 12:6 and
12:13 teach that the mouth of the upright can deliver them from trouble,
while the wicked are ensnared by their own words. Wise speech can
de-escalate conflict. Proverbs 15:1 says, “A soft answer turns away
wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” The tongue of the wise uses
knowledge rightly (Proverbs 15:2), spreading truth rather than
foolishness (Proverbs 15:7).
Spreading the
Knowledge of God
A proper and
expected use of the tongue is to share God’s Word. Proverbs commends
dispersing knowledge, and Paul in 2 Corinthians 2:14–16 describes
Christians as spreading “the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.”
We must be ready to speak God’s truth in every opportunity. Proverbs
9:8–9 reminds us that wise and just people receive instruction and grow,
while scoffers reject it.
The Place for
Rebuke
At times, the proper
use of the tongue is to rebuke. Proverbs 28:23 says, “He who rebukes a
man will find more favor afterward than he who flatters with the
tongue.” Rebuke, when given with love and wisdom, can bring repentance
and restore relationships.
Confessing
Christ
One of the most
important uses of the tongue is to confess Jesus as Lord. This
confession begins before baptism (Romans 10:9–10) and continues
throughout life as we openly acknowledge Him before others (Matthew
10:32).
Sermon Outline
– Proper Use of the Tongue
-
I.
Introduction – Proverbs as
instruction; God values our words.
-
II. The
Value of Proper Words – Proverbs
10:11; 15:4; 12:18; Ephesians 4:29.
-
III. The
Rarity and Worth of Wise Speech –
Proverbs 10:20; 20:15; example of Christ.
-
IV. The
Right Words at the Right Time –
Proverbs 25:11; 12:25; 27:9.
-
V.
Deliverance Through Speech – Proverbs
12:6, 12:13; 15:1–2, 7.
-
VI.
Spreading the Knowledge of God –
Proverbs 9:8–9; 2 Corinthians 2:14–16.
-
VII. The
Place for Rebuke – Proverbs 28:23.
-
VIII.
Confessing Christ – Romans 10:9–10;
Matthew 10:32.
Call to Action
Commit to using your
tongue as God intends—to heal, to build up, to teach, to correct, and to
confess Christ. Guard your speech, seek wisdom from God’s Word, and
follow the example of Jesus, whose words were always perfect.
Key Takeaways
-
Our words can
sustain life and bring healing (Proverbs 10:11; 15:4).
-
Wise speech is
valuable and rare (Proverbs 10:20; 20:15).
-
The right words
at the right time are beautiful and powerful (Proverbs 25:11).
-
Soft answers
turn away wrath; wise tongues spread knowledge (Proverbs 15:1–2, 7).
-
We must share
God’s truth and rebuke when necessary (2 Corinthians 2:14–16;
Proverbs 28:23).
-
Confessing
Christ is an essential, ongoing use of the tongue (Romans 10:9–10).
Scripture
Reference List
-
Proverbs 10:11,
15:4, 12:18, 10:20, 20:15, 25:11, 12:25, 27:9, 12:6, 12:13, 15:1–2,
15:7, 9:8–9, 28:23
-
Ephesians 4:29
-
2 Corinthians
2:14–16
-
Romans 10:9–10
-
Matthew 10:32
Prepared by Bobby
Stafford of the church of Christ at Granby, MO |
The
church of Christ
