Day 19

The Tongue

from the Proverbs reading plan


Proverbs 10:13-14, Proverbs 10:18-21, Proverbs 10:31-32, Proverbs 13:2-3, Proverbs 15:1-2

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?

Post Comments (52)

52 thoughts on "The Tongue"

  1. Bella Barone says:

    This is very important stuff for me to remember as I go to work as a nurse. There can be a total culture of talking behind other units backs and other staff backs to say how they’ve messed up, I’ve definitely been a part of that culture too and I think it’s clear that’s not helpful nor is it biblical. If I want to be the salt of the earth, I think Christians should look different and act different than the rest of culture. I pray I can stand strong in using my words for light today and every day.

  2. Jen Brewer says:

    Proverbs 10:17 is the verse I paraphrased/referenced below.

  3. Jen Brewer says:

    Loved your THINK acronym as well, Mari V. ❤️❤️

  4. Jen Brewer says:

    Yes yes yes, Beth S! I joined you in that prayer. (Sorry for so many responses all but my app is not letting me respond to individuals as I used to be able to do)

  5. Jen Brewer says:

    Well said, Jene! ❤️

  6. Martha Ellen says:

    I was such a mouthy kid that my Mama quoted “where words are many sin abounds” to me. It was a great tool for discipline because I couldn’t argue with it since it was God’s word. I’m so thankful she did because as I got older I would quote it to myself to keep from saying something I shouldn’t. It really made me think before I speak.

  7. Patty Allen says:

    Words…the serpent used words to lead us astray. Words are challenging. Maybe the greatest challenge.

  8. Sarah H says:

    Holding the tongue can be such a hard thing to do. We want to prove a point, or defend ourselves or a situation, or even just hurt someone that has hurt us. I love Hallmark movies this time of year and I just saw this poem in one of the newest ones: “A wise old bird lived in an oak, the more he saw the less he spoke, the less he spoke the more he heard, now wasnt he a wise old bird.” I just love this quote and think of it constantly now when I am tempted to speak unnecessarily.

    1. Charity Bradley says:

      Love Hallmark movie and this poem.

    2. Sonya Young says:

      This is a good one!!

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