Proverbs 10:17-21--The Proverbs of Solomon

Proverbs 10:17-21
English Standard Version
​17 Whoever heeds instruction is on the path to life,
    but he who rejects reproof leads others astray.
18 The one who conceals hatred has lying lips,
    and whoever utters slander is a fool.
19 When words are many, transgression is not lacking,
    but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.
20 The tongue of the righteous is choice silver;
    the heart of the wicked is of little worth.
21 The lips of the righteous feed many,
    but fools die for lack of sense.

---

This small section of chapter 10 of Proverbs focusses on our words.  Do we use our words to lie and slander?  That's what the fool and the wicked person does, but those are evidence that someone is controlled by the flesh, not the Spirit.  Do we listen to the wise words of others, even when they are given for reproof and instruction in righteousness?  The Bible says that the wise man will listen to reproof, even when it is painful.

Solomon also tells his son that it is better to use few words than to speak many words because when we speak many words we often try to flatter or lie to impress people.  Instead, we should restrain our lips and be quick to listen and slow to speak.  We should also be slow to anger and should let our words be like choice silver--something of value to the one who receives them.  David says that they should be like honey from the honeycomb.  The words that come from the heart of the wicked person are of little worth and they are like poison or fire that burn, injure, or maybe even kill the one that they are targeted against.

The words of the righteous are like choice morsels that feed many people.  Is that how you would describe your words?  A fool who lacks sense though will say things that not only lead to their demise, but to the demise of others as well.