Three Distinct Characteristics of a Righteous Tongue

 

     “In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is wise.  The tongue of the righteous is choice silver; the heart of the wicked is worth little.  The lips of the righteous feed many, but fools die for lack of wisdom” (Proverbs 10:19-21).

     This triad of proverbs identifies three significant characteristics of a wise and righteous person.

     Truth # 1: A righteous person wisely curbs his words, especially when he is among hostile and angry people.  It is not sinful to be angry; the divine expectation is “be angry, and do not sin” (Ephesians 4:26).  One way to help ensure your obedience to this command is curbing your words, especially when others are not.  It takes one fool to argue and a second one to continue it.

     Truth # 2: A righteous person wisely uses his words to bless others.  A word fitly spoken is of immense value.  Speech spoken with grace is a wise usage of your tongue (Colossians 4:5-6).

     Truth # 3: A righteous person wisely instructs others to enrich them.  Hungry and hurting souls can be blessed or blighted by your words.  A righteous person seeks to enrich the hearts and lives of his/her listeners.

     A righteous tongue is like salt.  It has distinctive characteristics which make it valuable and useful to humanity. 

     How salt-like is your tongue?

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Author: jchowning

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