TONGUE
What we say probably affects more people than any other action we take. It is not surprising, then, to find proverbs gives special attention to words and how they are used. Four common speech patterns are described in proverbs. The first two should be copied, while the last two should be avoided.
THE CONTROLLED TONGUE Those with this speech pattern think before speaking, know when silence is best, and give wise advice.
Proverbs 10:14 Wise [men] lay up knowledge: but the mouth of the foolish [is] near destruction.
Proverbs 10:19 In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips [is] wise.
Proverbs 11:12 He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour: but a man of understanding holdeth his peace. A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.
Proverbs 13:3 He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: [but] he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.
Proverbs 15:1 A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.
Proverbs 15:4 A wholesome tongue [is] a tree of life: but perverseness therein [is] a breach in the spirit.
Proverbs 15:28 The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.
Proverbs 16:23 The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips.
Proverbs 17:14 The beginning of strife [is as] when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with.
Proverbs 17:27 He that hath knowledge spareth his words: [and] a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit.
Proverbs 18:4 The words of a man's mouth [are as] deep waters, [and] the wellspring of wisdom [as] a flowing brook.
Proverbs 21:23 Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.
Proverbs 24:26 [Every man] shall kiss [his] lips that giveth a right answer.
Proverbs 26:17 He that passeth by, [and] meddleth with strife [belonging] not to him, [is like] one that taketh a dog by the ears.
THE CARING TONGUE Those with this speech pattern speak truthfully while seeking to encourage.
Proverbs 10:32 The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable: but the mouth of the wicked [speaketh] frowardness.
Proverbs 12:18 There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise [is] health.
Proverbs 12:25 Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.
Proverbs 15:23 A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word [spoken] in due season, how good [is it]!
Proverbs 15:26 The thoughts of the wicked [are] an abomination to the LORD: but [the words] of the pure [are] pleasant words.
Proverbs 16:24 Pleasant words [are as] an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.
Proverbs 25:15 By long forbearing is a prince persuaded, and a soft tongue breaketh the bone.
Proverbs 27:9 Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so [doth] the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel.
THE CONNIVING TONGUE Those with this speech pattern are filled with wrong motives, gossip, slander, and twist truth.
Proverbs 6:12 A naughty person, a wicked man, walketh with a froward mouth. He winketh with his eyes, he speaketh with his feet, he teacheth with his fingers; Frowardness [is] in his heart, he deviseth mischief continually; he soweth discord.
Proverbs 8:13 The fear of the LORD [is] to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.
Proverbs 16:28 A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.
Proverbs 18:8 The words of a talebearer [are] as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.
Proverbs 25:18 A man that beareth false witness against his neighbour [is] a maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow.
Proverbs 26:20 Where no wood is, [there] the fire goeth out: so where [there is] no talebearer, the strife ceaseth. [As] coals [are] to burning coals, and wood to fire; so [is] a contentious man to kindle strife. The words of a talebearer [are] as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly. Burning lips and a wicked heart [are like] a potsherd covered with silver dross. He that hateth dissembleth with his lips, and layeth up deceit within him; When he speaketh fair, believe him not: for [there are] seven abominations in his heart.
Proverbs 26:28 A lying tongue hateth [those that are] afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin.
THE CARELESS TONGUE Those with this speech pattern are filled with lies, curses, quick tempered words- which can lead to rebellion and destruction.
Proverbs 10:18 He that hideth hatred [with] lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, [is] a fool.
Proverbs 10:32 The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable: but the mouth of the wicked [speaketh] frowardness.
Proverbs 11:9 An hypocrite with [his] mouth destroyeth his neighbour: but through knowledge shall the just be delivered.
Proverbs 12:16 A fool's wrath is presently known: but a prudent [man] covereth shame.
Proverbs 12:18 There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise [is] health.
Proverbs 15:4 A wholesome tongue [is] a tree of life: but perverseness therein [is] a breach in the spirit.
Proverbs 17:9 He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth [very] friends.
Proverbs 17:14 The beginning of strife [is as] when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with.
Proverbs 17:19 He loveth transgression that loveth strife: [and] he that exalteth his gate seeketh destruction.
Proverbs 18:21 Death and life [are] in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.
Proverbs 20:19 He that goeth about [as] a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips.
EXTRACTED FROM LIFE APPLICATION BIBLE NOTES PAGE 1119