Proverbs 15:4, 7, Tongues: Sound or Sick?
September 11, Proverbs 15:4, 7
Rom. 3:9-14; 1 Tim. 6:3-5 “Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me” (2 Tim. 1:13).
Tongues: Sound or Sick?
Both proverbs refer to speech, good or bad. The wholesome (sound 14:30) tongue that is a tree of Life (4) parallels the lips of the wise that disperse knowledge (7). The perverseness that is a breach of the spirit (4) has its counterpart in the heart of the foolish [that] does not so (7), that is, disperse knowledge. Note the relation between the lips and the heart in v.7. A wholesome tongue is a healed tongue that produces life. It’s lips, therefore, are wise lips. The word perverse only appears twice in the Hebrew Bible, and both times in Proverbs (11:3). It means to be twisted, or crooked. It is something out of line or even treacherous. Thus the scene is set. Are your lips sound or sick?
1. Treacherous Tongues: As we have seen, again and again in these studies, fools have a hard time keeping their mouths shut, and seldom consider the effect that their words may have. Words that reach the heart most certainly affect the spirit, for good or ill. There is a similar expression to a breach in the spirit (v.4) in Isaiah 65:14 where we read of sorrow of heart and vexation of spirit. Though they have nothing to say worth hearing, yet they must give their opinion. It can be defaming speech, uttering scandal or slanders, whether true or only hearsay. It can tell lies and be an instrument of unrighteousness. In its irreverent use of God’s Name, it blasphemes and offends the godly. It cannot disperse truth, but will blindly spout forth any false doctrine or fancy. The speech of fools is also empty. They have no learning because they have sought none. They are ignorant and so their speech is barren, yet it can bruise. Such are described as firebrands spreading trouble, deadly arrows and belching folly like an erupting volcano (12:18; 15:2; 26:18). We can understand why Solomon had so much to say about speech. Oh! that we would resist the temptation to always speak. Oh! that we would be more ready to wait and listen and consider the effect of our words before we give reign to our tongues. How many broken hearts and homes, how many offended brethren and split churches would be avoided!
2. Trustworthy Tongues: We have seen that a loose tongue can put you into a tight corner. When Demaratus was asked whether he held his tongue because he was a fool or for the want of words, he replied, “A fool cannot hold his tongue.” The wise are more reserved, but when they do speak they generally have something worth hearing. Another said: “He never repented having held his tongue, but was often sorry that he had spoken.” Let it be said of you, You have well said (Ex. 10:29). When you do speak, let it be with absolute honesty and tempered with kindness, as much as lies in you (Rom. 12:18). The true tongue is the wholesome tongue, the tongue that has been touched by grace. It can truly become a tree of life whose fruit of wholesome words is dispersed for the healing and the blessing of others. As the Scripture affirms, The Lord gave the word, for the Lord is the Word. May you be among that blessed company that publishes it (Ps. 68).
Thought: “The best way of eradicating error is to publish truth.” (Arnot)
Prayer: Lord, give me a wholesome tongue.