Question

Read Proverbs 10. As you read Proverbs 10, identify at least five proverbs in the chapter that address speech, language, or words. Write out each proverb and provide its biblical reference. In addition, drawing on what you read in the proverbs, develop and state a one or two-sentence principle to apply to your speech, language, or words.


WRITER

Answer 1

Here are several proverbs in Proverbs 10 that address speech, language, or words (quotations from the New International Version):

- Proverbs 10:11 — "The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence."
- Proverbs 10:13 — "Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning, but a rod is for the back of one who has no sense."
- Proverbs 10:14 — "The wise store up knowledge, but the mouth of a fool invites ruin."
- Proverbs 10:18 — "Whoever conceals hatred with lying lips and spreads slander is a fool."
- Proverbs 10:19 — "Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues."
- Proverbs 10:20 — "The tongue of the righteous is choice silver; the heart of the wicked is of little value."
- Proverbs 10:31 — "From the mouth of the righteous comes the fruit of wisdom, but a perverse tongue will be silenced."
- Proverbs 10:32 — "The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable, but the mouth of the wicked, what is perverse."

Principle to apply to speech: Let my words be measured, truthful, and life-giving—speak with wisdom and restraint to build others up and bring truth, and avoid lying, slander, or impulsive talk that harms or stirs conflict.