Wise Speaking

by G. Jarvie, Glasgow | Category: General | Apr 1967

"There is that speaketh rashly like the piercings of a sword,

But the tongue of the wise is health" (Proverbs 12.18).

The apostle James in chapter three of his epistle, reminds us of the effects of unwise speaking, and we may well fear an unfettered tongue. "The tongue is a fire", says James. And again, "It is full of deadly poison". And yet, from the tongue there can also come words of life and healing. Happy are they who rightly use their tongues for healing and not for wounding. "Death and life", we read, "are in the power of the tongue" (Proverbs 18.21).

The tongue is like a door, out from which come the thoughts of the heart. If there is bitterness or lovelessness in the heart, then the tongue cannot be expected to speak words of grace and healing. "Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh", the Lord said (Matthew 12.34). And so, to control the tongue, and speak words of grace and healing, we must first have thoughts of grace and healing. The heart of the gracious man will pour out gracious words from his lips. Concerning the Lord, we read in Psalm 45.2, "Grace is poured into Thy lips: therefore God hath blessed Thee for ever". If we are Christ-like, then we will speak like Him.

It is also possible for the heart to think one way, and for the tongue to speak another way, and so we read, "He that hateth dissembleth with his lips, but he layeth up deceit within him" (Proverbs 26.24). Here we find a very difficult sin to deal with, for the tongue is being made to say what the heart does not feel. Added to hatred there is deceit. This is a deadly thing, and it withers those who yield to it.

There are some who have been spiritually wounded by harsh speaking, and who never seem to recover again. This will surely be a cause of much loss to those who offend through unwise speaking. "A brother offended", we read, "is harder to be won than a strong city" (Proverbs 18.19). If we can look back on any cause of offence on our part, then surely, when we think of the judgement-seat of Christ, when all our words and acts will be revealed, it is wise for us to humble ourselves, and confess our failure to any whom we may have offended, seeking the Lord's forgiveness, and theirs, that they may be revived again.

"But the tongue of the wise is health." When wise men speak, the sad are cheered, and the wounded are healed. Well might we covet such a tongue! so that others who hear us, will go away refreshed and uplifted. "The tongue of the righteous is as choice silver" (Proverbs 10.20). The tongue cannot rise above the level of the heart. We cannot help others by any pretence in our lives or in our words. II unrighteousness clings to us, then our words will have an empty ring. True grace in speaking can only come from righteous living.

Of the virtuous woman, we read, "She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and the law (or teaching) of kindness is on her tongue" (Proverbs 31.26). Such a woman, by her life and her words, teaches kindness to others. No backbiting, no whispering, no jealousy. What a great influence for good, wise sisters are!

As we read these scriptures we realise what a power for good or evil, lies in our tongues. But not in our tongues alone, for these are only the doors of our hearts. The good things of the heart come out through the tongue, and others are refreshed and strengthened by us.

Our tongues, that is how we speak, are also an evidence to ourselves of the true condition of our hearts. If we find ourselves to be cutting and sharp; or if we find ourselves to be always ready to speak, and to press our views without listening to others; or if we find ourselves often in contentions, or in causing others to stumble, then we can rest assured that there is something wrong in our hearts, however much we may justify ourselves. Our hearts are behind our tongues. If we do not bridle our tongues, says James, then our religion is vain (1.26).

Let us consider Him of whom it is written, "Grace is poured into Thy lips; therefore God hath blessed Thee for ever". Let us beseech Him to come and dwell with us, so that we may sup with Him, and He with us (Revelation 3.20). Then indeed grace will be poured into our lips, as it was poured into His.

G. Jarvie, Glasgow | Apr 1967
General