The Tongue

BY She Reads Truth

The book of Proverbs is a guide for pursuing godly wisdom in our daily lives. In this four-week study, we will read a selection of topical proverbs covering different aspects of wisdom, from how to interact with our friends, families, and neighbors, to fearing God and keeping His commands. No matter the subject, these proverbs urge us to wrestle with and reflect on our own response to them. To help you better engage with the proverbs in this reading plan, we have provided you with a short introduction and reflection questions for each day.

Our words matter. James 3:9–10 says, “With the tongue we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in God’s likeness. Blessing and cursing come out of the same mouth. My brothers and sisters, these things should not be this way.” It is likely that few of us spend much time considering how we use our words throughout the course of a day. Use this day to pay careful attention to your words, and see what wisdom these proverbs have for you.

Reflection Questions:

Why do our words carry so much weight? What is it about the way God made us that gives power to words?

Proverbs 18:21 says our words can give life and take life. They can bring light or add darkness. How have you given light and life with your words? How have you spoken death and darkness? 

Why do you think “a gentle answer turns away anger” (Proverbs 15:1)? How can you provide gentle answers to people in your life?