A multitude of words

"In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips [i]is[/i] wise."

- Proverbs 10:19(KJV)

[i] The tongue of the just is as choice silver[/i]

"He that hath knowledge spareth his words: [i]and[/i] a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit. Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: [i]and[/i] he that shutteth his lips [i]is esteemed[/i] a man of understanding."

- Proverbs 17:27-28(KJV)

"And the Jews marveled, saying, How knoweth this man letters, having never learned? Jesus answered them, and said,

[b][color=660000]My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me. If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or [i]whether[/i] I speak of myself. He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him. [/color][/b]"

- John chapter 7 verses 15-18(KJV)

"For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed,"

- Romans 15:18(KJV)

[b][color=660000] If I bear witness of myself, my witness is not true. [/color][/b]

- John 5:31(KJV)

For in the multitude of dreams and many words there are also divers vanities: but fear thou God.

Ecclesiastes 5:7 (KJV)

"The words of the wise [i]are[/i] as goads, and as nails fastened [i]by[/i] the masters of assemblies, [i]which[/i] are given from one shepherd."

- Ecclesiastes 12:11(KJV)

[i]...given from one shepherd[/i]

Luke 21:12-15, Acts 6:8-10

1 Corinthians 2:12-13

"Hear; for I will speak of excellent things; and the opening of my lips [i]shall be[/i] right things. For my mouth shall speak truth; and wickedness [i]is[/i] an abomination to my lips. All the words of my mouth [i]are[/i] in righteousness; [i]there is[/i] nothing froward or perverse in them."

- Proverbs 8:6-8(KJV)

"(For all the Athenians and strangers which were there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell, or to hear some new thing.)"

- Acts 17:21(KJV)

"My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same [i]is[/i] a perfect man, [i]and[/i] able also to bridle the whole body."

- James 3:1-2(KJV)

"For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think [i]of himself[/i] more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith."

- Romans 12:3(KJV)

[i]For I say, through the grace given unto me...[/i]

"Nevertheless, brethren, I have written the more boldly unto you in some sort, as putting you in mind, because of the grace that is given to me of God,"

- Romans 15:15(KJV)

[i]...because of the grace that is given to me of God[/i]

The Cure of Evil Speaking
by John Wesley

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"If thy brother shall sin against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: If he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear, take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he will not hear them, tell it to the Church. But if he does not hear the church, let him be to thee as an heathen man and a publican." Matthew 18:15-17

I. The most literal way of following this first rule, "If thy brother shall sin against thee, go and tell him of his fault, between thee and him alone" where it is practicable, is the best.

II. We must expect that frequently the mildest and tenderest reproof will have no effect; but the blessing we wished for another will return into our own bosom. And what are we to do then?

III. "If he will not hear them," then, and not till then, "tell it to the church." The question is, how this word, "the church," is here to be understood.

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1. "Speak evil of no man," says the great Apostle: -- As plain a command as, "Thou shalt do no murder." But who, even among Christians, regards this command? Yea, how few are there that so much as understand it? What is evil-speaking? It is not, as some suppose, the same with lying or slandering. All a man says may be as true as the Bible; and yet the saying of it is evil-speaking. For evil-speaking is neither more nor less than speaking evil of an absent person; relating something evil, which was really done or said by one that is not present when it is related. Suppose, having seen a man drunk, or heard him curse or swear, I tell this when he is absent; it is evil-speaking. In our language this is also, by an extremely proper name, termed backbiting. Nor is there any material difference between this and what we usually style tale-bearing. If the tale be delivered in a soft and quiet manner (perhaps with expressions of good-will to the person, and of hope that things may not be quite so bad,) then we call it whispering. But in whatever manner it be done, the thing is the same; -- the same in substance, if not in circumstance. Still it is evil-speaking; still this command, "Speak evil of no man," is trampled under foot; if we relate to another the fault of a third person, when he is not present to answer for himself.

2. And how extremely common is this sin, among all orders and degrees of men! How do high and low, rich and poor, wise and foolish, learned and unlearned, run into it continually! Persons who differ from each other in all things else, nevertheless agree in this. How few are there that can testify before God, "I am clear in this matter; I have always set a watch before my mouth, and kept the door of my lips!" What conversation do you hear, of any considerable length, whereof evil-speaking is not one ingredient? And that even among persons who, in the general, have the fear of God before their eyes, and do really desire to have a conscience void of offence toward God and toward man.

3. And the very commonness of this sin makes it difficult to be avoided. As we are encompassed with it on every side, so, if we are not deeply sensible of the danger, and continually guarding against it, we are liable to be carried away by the torrent. In this instance, almost the whole of mankind is, as it were, in a conspiracy against us. And their example steals upon us, we know not how; so that we insensibly slide into the imitation of it. Besides, it is recommended from within as well as from without. There is scarce any wrong temper in the mind of man, which may not be occasionally gratified by it, and consequently incline us to it. It gratifies our pride, to relate those faults of others whereof we think ourselves not to be guilty. Anger, resentment, and all unkind tempers, are indulged by speaking against those with whom we are displeased; and, in many cases, by reciting the sins of their neighbors, men indulge their own foolish and hurtful desires.

4. Evil-speaking is the more difficult to be avoided, because it frequently attacks us in disguise. We speak thus out of a noble, generous (it is well if we do not say,) holy indignation, against these vile creatures! We commit sin from mere hatred of sin! We serve the devil out of pure zeal for God! It is merely in order to punish the wicked that we run into this wickedness. "So do the passions" (as one speaks) "all justify themselves," and palm sin upon us under the veil of holiness!

5. But is there no way to avoid the snare? Unquestionably there is. Our blessed Lord has marked out a plain way for His followers, in the words above recited. None, who warily and steadily walk in this path, will ever fall into evil-speaking. This rule is either an infallible preventive, or a certain cure of it. In the preceding verses, our Lord had said, "Woe to the world, because of offences," -- unspeakable misery will arise in the world from this baleful fountain: (Offences are all things whereby anyone is turned out of, or hindered in, the ways of God.): "For it must be that offenses come," -- Such is the nature of things; such the wickedness, folly, and weakness of mankind: "But woe to that man," -- miserable is that man, "by whom the offense cometh." "Wherefore if thy hand, thy foot, thine eye, cause thee to offend," -- if the most dear enjoyment, the most beloved and useful person, turn thee out of or hinder thee in the way, "pluck it out," -- cut them off, and cast them from thee. But how can we avoid giving offense to some, and being offended at others? Especially, suppose they are quite in the wrong, and we see it with our own eyes? Our Lord here teaches us how: He lays down a sure method of avoiding offenses and evil-speaking together. "If thy brother shall sin against thee, go and tell him of his fault, between thee and him alone: If he will hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, take with thee one or two more, that by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he will not hear them, tell it to the church: But if he will not hear the Church, let him be to thee as an heathen man and a publican."

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I.
1. First, "If thy brother shall sin against thee, go and tell him of his fault, between thee and him alone." The most literal way of following this first rule, where it is practicable, is the best: Therefore, if thou seest with thine own eyes a brother, a fellow Christian, commit undeniable sin, or hearest it with thine own ears, so that it is impossible for thee to doubt the fact, then thy part is plain: Take the very first opportunity of going to him; and, if thou canst have access, "tell him of his fault between thee and him alone." Indeed, great care is to be taken that this is done in a right spirit, and in a right manner. The success of a reproof greatly depends on the spirit wherein it is given. Be not, therefore, wanting in earnest prayer to God, that it may be given in a lowly spirit; with a deep, piercing conviction, that it is God alone who maketh thee to differ; and that if any good be done by what is now spoken, God doeth it himself. Pray that he would guard thy heart, enlighten thy mind, and direct thy tongue to such words as he may please to bless. See that thou speak in a meek as well as a lowly spirit; for the "wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God." If he be "overtaken in a fault," he can no otherwise be restored, than "in the spirit of meekness." If he opposes the truth, yet he cannot be brought to the knowledge thereof, but by gentleness. Still speak in a spirit of tender love, "which many waters cannot quench." If love is not conquered, it conquers all things. Who can tell the force of love?

Love can bow down the stubborn neck,
The stone to flesh convert;
Soften, and melt, and pierce and break
An adamantine heart.

Confirm, then, your love toward him, and you will thereby "heap coals of fire upon his head."

2. But see that the manner also wherein you speak be according to the Gospel of Christ. Avoid everything in look, gesture, word, and tone of voice, that savors of pride or self-sufficiency. Studiously avoid everything magisterial or dogmatical, everything that looks like arrogance or assuming. Beware of the most distant approach to disdain, overbearing, or contempt. With equal care avoid all appearance of anger; and though you use great plainness of speech, yet let there be no reproach, no railing accusation, no token of any warmth but that of love. Above all, let there be no shadow of hate or ill-will, no bitterness or sourness of expression; but use the air and language of sweetness, as well as gentleness, that all may appear to flow from love in the heart. And yet this sweetness need not hinder your speaking in the most serious and solemn manner; as far as may be, in the very words of the oracles of God (for there are none like them,) and as under the eye of Him who is coming to judge the quick and dead.

3. If you have not an opportunity of speaking to him in person, or cannot have access, you may do it by a messenger; by a common friend, in whose prudence, as well as uprightness, you can thoroughly confide. Such a person, speaking in your name, and in the spirit and manner above described, may answer the same end, and, in a good degree, supply your lack of service. Only beware you do not feign the want of opportunity, in order to shun the cross; neither take it for granted that you cannot have access, without ever making the trial. Whenever you can speak in your own person, it is far better. But you should rather do it by another, than not at all: This way is better than none.

4. But what, if you can neither speak yourself, nor find such a messenger as you can confide in? If this is really the case, it then only remains to write. And there may be some circumstances which make this the most advisable way of speaking. One of these circumstances is, when the person with whom we have to do is of so warm and impetuous a temper as does not easily bear reproof, especially from an equal or inferior. But it may be so introduced and softened in writing as to make it far more tolerable. Besides, many will read the very same words, which they could not bear to hear. It does not give so violent a shock to their pride, nor so sensibly touch their honor. And suppose it makes little impression at first, they will, perhaps, give it a second reading, and, upon farther consideration, lay to heart what before they disregarded. If you add your name, this is nearly the same thing as going to him, and speaking in person. And this should always be done, unless it be rendered improper by some very particular reason.

5. It should be well observed, not only that this is a step which our Lord absolutely commands us to take, but that he commands us to take this step first, before we attempt any other. No alternative is allowed, no choice of anything else: This is the way; walk thou in it. It is true, he enjoins us, if need require, to take two other steps; but they are to be taken successively after this step, and neither of them before it: Much less are we to take any other step, either before or beside this. To do anything else, or not to do this, is, therefore, equally inexcusable.

6. Do not think to excuse yourself for taking an entirely different step, by saying, "Why, I did not speak to anyone, till I was so burdened that I could not refrain." You was burdened! It was no wonder you should, unless your conscience was seared; for you was under the guilt of sin, of disobeying a plain commandment of God! You ought immediately to have gone, and told "your brother of his fault between you and him alone." If you did not, how should you be other than burdened (unless your heart was utterly hardened,) while you was trampling the command of God under foot, and "hating your brother in your heart?" And what a way have you found to unburden yourself? God reproves you for a sin of omission, for not telling your brother of his fault; and you comfort yourself under His reproof by a sin of commission, by telling your brother's fault to another person! Ease bought by sin is a dear purchase! I trust in God, you will have no ease, but will be burdened so much the more, till you "go to your brother and tell him," and no one else.

7. I know but of one exception to this rule: There may be a peculiar case, wherein it is necessary to accuse the guilty, though absent, in order to preserve the innocent. For instance: You are acquainted with the design which a man has against the property or life of his neighbor. Now, the case may be so circumstanced, that there is no other way of hindering that design from taking effect, but the making it known, without delay, to him against whom it is laid. In this case, therefore, this rule is set aside, as is that of the Apostle, "Speak evil of no man:" and it is lawful, yea, it is our bounden duty, to speak evil of an absent person, in order to prevent his doing evil to others and himself at the same time. But remember, meanwhile that all evil-speaking is, in its own nature, deadly poison. Therefore if you are sometimes constrained to use it as a medicine, yet use it with fear and trembling; seeing it is so dangerous a medicine, that nothing but absolute necessity can excuse your using it at all. Accordingly, use it as seldom as possible; never but when there is such a necessity: And even then use as little of it as is possible; only so much as is necessary for the end proposed. At all other times, "go and tell him of his fault between thee and him alone."

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[b][color=660000] But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen [i]do[/i]: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. [/color][/b]

- Matthew 6:7(KJV)

"If I say, I will speak thus; behold, I should offend [i]against[/i] the generation of thy children."

- Psalm 73:15(KJV)

[b]Mat 18:7[/b] [i]offences[/i]

[u]Thayer's[/u]

G4625
σκάνδαλον
skandalon
Thayer Definition:
1) the movable stick or trigger of a trap, a trap stick
1a) a trap, snare
1b) any impediment placed in the way and causing one to stumble or fall, (a stumbling block, occasion of stumbling), i.e. a rock which is a cause of stumbling
1c) fig. applied to Jesus Christ, whose person and career were so contrary to the expectations of the Jews concerning the Messiah, that they rejected him and by their obstinacy made shipwreck of their salvation
2) any person or thing by which one is (entrapped) drawn into error or sin
Part of Speech: noun neuter
A Related Word by Thayer’s/Strong’s Number: probably from a derivative of G2578
Citing in TDNT: 7:339, 1036

[b]Rom 14:21[/b] [i]stumbleth[/i]

[u]Strong's[/u]

G4350
προσκόπτω
proskoptō
pros-kop'-to
From G4314 and G2875; to strike at, that is, surge against (as water); specifically to stub on, that is, trip up (literally or figuratively): - beat upon, dash, stumble (at).

[b]1 Cor 10:32[/b] [i]offence[/i]

[u]Strong's[/u]

G677
ἀπρόσκοπος
aproskopos
ap-ros'-kop-os
From G1 (as a negative particle) and a presumed derivative of G4350; actively inoffensive, that is, not leading into sin; passively faultless, that is, not led into sin: - none (void of, without) offence.

[b]James 3:2[/b] [i]offend[/i]

[u]Strong's[/u]

G4417
πταίω
ptaiō
ptah'-yo
A form of G4098; to trip, that is, (figuratively) to err, sin, fail (of salvation): - fall, offend, stumble.

[u]Thayer's[/u]

G4417
πταίω
ptaiō
Thayer Definition:
1) to cause one to stumble or fall
2) to stumble
2a) to err, make a mistake, to sin
2b) to fall into misery, become wretched
Part of Speech: verb
A Related Word by Thayer’s/Strong’s Number: a form of G4098
Citing in TDNT: 6:883, 968

"There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise [i]is[/i] health."

- Proverbs 12:18(KJV)

"Thou sittest [i]and[/i] speakest against thy brother; thou slanderest thine own mother's son."

- Psalm 50:20(KJV)

"By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted: but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked."

- Proverbs 11:11(KJV)

"And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books [i]there is[/i] no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh."

- Ecclesiastes 12:12(KJV)

"The preacher sought to find out acceptable words: and [i]that which was[/i] written [i]was[/i] upright, [i]even[/i] words of truth."

- Ecclesiastes 12:10(KJV)

"And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;"

- Thessalonians 4:11(KJV)

[b]Study[/b](from Strong's Greek Dictionay)

G5389
φιλοτιμέομαι
philotimeomai
fil-ot-im-eh'-om-ahee
Middle voice from a compound of G5384 and G5092; to be fond of honor, that is, emulous (eager or earnest to do somethng.): - labour, strive, study.

[b]Quiet[/b](from Strong's Greek Dictionary)

G2270
ἡσυχάζω
hēsuchazō
hay-soo-khad'-zo
From the same as G2272; to keep still (intransitively), that is, refrain from labor, meddlesomeness or speech: - cease, hold peace, be quiet, rest.

"Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:"

- James 1:19(KJV)

"Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools: for they consider not that they do evil. Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter [i]any[/i] thing before God: for God [i]is[/i] in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few. For a dream cometh through the multitude of business; and a fool's voice [i]is known[/i] by multitude of words."

- Ecclesiastes 5:1-3(KJV)

"[i]As[/i] he that taketh away a garment in cold weather, [i]and as[/i] vinegar upon niter, so [i]is[/i] he that singeth songs to a heavy heart."

- Proverbs 25:20(KJV)

"Thou art fairer than the children of men: grace is poured into thy lips: therefore God hath blessed thee forever."

- Psalm 45:2(KJV)

Luke 4:22

"Do we begin again to commend ourselves? or need we, as some [i]others[/i], epistles of commendation to you, or [i]letters[/i] of commendation from you?"

- 2Corinthians 3:1(KJV)

"For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth."

- 2Corinthians 10:18(KJV)

"Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency [i]is[/i] of God; Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life."

- 2Corinthians 3:5-6(KJV)

[i]...Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament[/i]

2Co 10:12-16

"Every word of God [i]is[/i] pure: he [i]is[/i] a shield unto them that put their trust in him.

Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar."

- Proverbs 30:5-6(KJV)

"And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching [i]was[/i] not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:"

- 1 Corinthians 2:3-4(KJV)

[b][color=660000]And ye are witnesses of these things. And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high. [/color][/b]

- Luke 24:48-49(KJV)

"Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into."

- 1Peter 1:12(KJV)

[i]...that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven[/i]

"Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! behold, I cannot speak: for I [i]am[/i] a child. But the LORD said unto me, Say not, I [i]am[/i] a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak."

- Jeremiah 1:6-7(KJV)

[b][color=660000] And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done [i]it[/i] unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done [i]it[/i] unto me. [/color][/b]

- Matthew 25:40(KJV)

Col 3:17, Rom 14:7-8, 1 Co 3:16, Acts 9:1-5

"And Abraham answered and said, Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord, which [i]am but[/i] dust and ashes:"

- Genesis 18:27(KJV)

"Thou shalt not raise a false report: put not thine hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous witness."

- Exodus 23:1(KJV)

[b]raise[/b](Strong's Hebrew Dictionary)

H5375
נסה נשׂא
nâśâ' nâsâh
naw-saw', naw-saw'
A primitive root; to lift, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, absolutely and relatively: - accept, advance, arise, (able to, [armour], suffer to) bear (-er, up), bring (forth), burn, carry (away), cast, contain, desire, ease, exact, exalt (self), extol, fetch, forgive, furnish, further, give, go on, help, high, hold up, honourable (+ man), lade, lay, lift (self) up, lofty, marry, magnify, X needs, obtain, pardon, raise (up), receive, regard, respect, set (up), spare, stir up, + swear, take (away, up), X utterly, wear, yield.

[b]false[/b](Strong's Hebrew dictonary)

H7723
שׁו שׁואo
shâv' shav
shawv, shav
From the same as H7722 in the sense of desolating; evil (as destructive), literally (ruin) or morally (especially guile); figuratively idolatry (as false, subjectively), uselessness (as deceptive, objectively; also adverbially in vain): - false (-ly), lie, lying, vain, vanity.

[b]report[/b](Strong's Hebrew dictionary)

H8088
שׁמע
shêma‛
shay'-mah
From H8085; something heard, that is, a sound, rumor, announcement; abstractly audience: - bruit, fame, hear (-ing), loud, report, speech, tidings.

"A word fitly spoken [i]is like[/i] apples of gold in pictures of silver."

- Proverbs 25:11(KJV)

"The Lord GOD hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to [i]him that is[/i] weary: he wakeneth morning by morning, he wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned."

- Isaiah 50:4(KJV)

"But the men that went up with him said, We be not able to go up against the people; for they [i]are[/i] stronger than we."

- Numbers 13:31(KJV)

"And wherefore discourage ye the heart of the children of Israel from going over into the land which the LORD hath given them? Thus did your fathers, when I sent them from Kadesh-barnea to see the land. For when they went up unto the valley of Eshcol, and saw the land, they discouraged the heart of the children of Israel, that they should not go into the land which the LORD had given them."

- Numbers 32:7-9(KJV)

"But shun profane [i]and[/i] vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some."

2 Timothy 2:16-18(KJV)

[b]profane[/b](Strong's Greek Dictionary)

G952
βέβηλος
bebēlos
beb'-ay-los
From the base of G939 and βηλός bēlos (a threshold); accessible (as by crossing the door way), that is, (by implication of Jewish notions) heathenish, wicked: - profane (person).

[b]vain babblings[/b](Strong's Greek Dictionary)

G2757
κενοφωνία
kenophōnia
ken-of-o-nee'-ah
From a presumed compound of G2756 and G5456; empty sounding, that is, fruitless discussion: - vain.

[b]canker[/b](Strong's Greek Dictionary)

G1044
γάγγραινα
gaggraina
gang'-grahee-nah
From γραίνω grainō (to gnaw); an ulcer (“gangrene”): - canker.

"Thou shalt not go up and down [i]as[/i] a talebearer among thy people: neither shalt thou stand against the blood of thy neighbor: I [i]am[/i] the LORD."

- Leviticus 19:16(KJV)

[b]talebearer[/b](Strong's Hebrew Dictionary)

H7400
רכיל
râkîyl
raw-keel'
From H7402; a scandal monger (as travelling about): - slander, carry tales, talebearer.

"There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them [i]is[/i] without signification."

- 1 Co 14:10(KJV)

"And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top [i]may reach[/i] unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth."

- Genesis 11:4(KJV)

"My soul [i]is[/i] among lions: [i]and[/i] I lie [i]even among[/i] them that are set on fire, [i]even[/i] the sons of men, whose teeth [i]are[/i] spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword."

- Psalm 57:4(KJV)

"They angered [i]him[/i] also at the waters of strife, so that it went ill with Moses for their sakes: Because they provoked his spirit, so that he spoke unadvisedly with his lips."

- Psalm 106:32-33(KJV)

Psalm 39:1-3, Job 32:6-20, Isaiah 11:1-4, John 5:30

"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things [i]are[/i] honest, whatsoever things [i]are[/i] just, whatsoever things [i]are[/i] pure, whatsoever things [i]are[/i] lovely, whatsoever things [i]are[/i] of good report; if [i]there be[/i] any virtue, and if [i]there be[/i] any praise, think on these things."

- Phillipians 4:8(KJV)

"Who have said, With our tongue will we prevail; our lips [i]are[/i] our own: who [i]is[/i] lord over us?"

- Psalm 12:4(KJV)

"And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine: For he taught them as [i]one[/i] having authority, and not as the scribes."

- Matthew 7:28-29(KJV)

Psalm 33:8-9

"For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord hath given us for edification, and not for your destruction, I should not be ashamed:"

- 2Corinthians 10:8(KJV)

2Corinthians 10:7-18, 1Peter 4:10-11, Proverbs 27:8, Psalm 131:1

"I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, [i]that[/i] shall he speak: and he will show you things to come."

- John 16:12-13(KJV)

"The transgression of the wicked saith within my heart, [i]that there is[/i] no fear of God before his eyes. For he flattereth himself in his own eyes, until his iniquity be found to be hateful. The words of his mouth [i]are[/i] iniquity and deceit: he hath left off to be wise, [i]and[/i] to do good."

- Psalm 36:1-3(KJV)

"Who have said, With our tongue will we prevail; our lips are our own: who is lord over us?" - Psalm 12:4(KJV)

May our tongues and lips be vessels for edification. "The lips of the righteous feed many." (Proverbs 10:21)

With care in Christ,
Taylor

"He that troubleth his own house shall inherit the wind: and the fool [i]shall be[/i] servant to the wise of heart."

- Proverbs 11:29(KJV)

Galatians 6:10, Heb 3:4, 1Co 3:9-10, Proverbs 6:16-19, Galatians 5:12-26

"The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things."

- Proverbs 15:28(KJV)

"Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor."

- Exodus 20:16(KJV)

"A man that beareth false witness against his neighbor [i]is[/i] a maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow."

- Proverbs 25:18(KJV)

"Who can understand [i]his[/i] errors? cleanse thou me from secret [i]faults[/i]. Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous [i]sins[/i]; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression. Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer."

- Psalm 19:12-14(KJV)

"A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies."

- Proverbs 14:5(KJV)

Chris,

Thank you for collecting these and posting them. I, for one, appreciate it!

God bless you,

"Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger."

- Psalm 8:2(KJV)

Jeremiah 1:6-7, Judges 6:11-12, John 9:1-34, Acts 4:13

"A lying tongue hateth [i]those that are[/i] afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin."

- Proverbs 26:28(KJV)

"God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power [i]belongeth[/i] unto God. Also unto thee, O Lord, [i]belongeth[/i] mercy: for thou renderest to every man according to his work."

- Psalm 62:11-12(KJV)

Rom 2:6

"Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the LORD. What man [i]is he that[/i] desireth life, [i]and[/i] loveth [i]many[/i] days, that he may see good? Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile. Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it."

- Psalm 34:11-14(KJV)

"But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and [i]your[/i] nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation."

- James 5:12(KJV)

Ecclesiastes 5:2

"Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles."

- Proverbs 21:23(KJV)

"Ye judge after the flesh; I judge no man. And yet if I judge, my judgment is true: for I am not alone, but I and the Father that sent me."

- John 8:15-16(KJV)

"Jesus therefore answered and said unto them, Murmur not among yourselves."

- John 6:43(KJV)

[b]Murmur[/b](Strong's greek Dictionary)

G1111
γογγύζω
gogguzō
gong-good'-zo
Of uncertain derivation; to grumble: - murmur.

"Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker: [i]and[/i] he that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished."

- Proverbs 17:5(KJV)

Psa 52:2 Thy tongue deviseth mischiefs; like a sharp razor, working deceitfully.
Psa 52:3 Thou lovest evil more than good; and lying rather than to speak righteousness. Selah.
Psa 52:4 Thou lovest all devouring words, O thou deceitful tongue.
Psa 52:5 God shall likewise destroy thee for ever, he shall take thee away, and pluck thee out of thy dwelling place, and root thee out of the land of the living. Selah.

"A wicked doer giveth heed to false lips; [i]and[/i] a liar giveth ear to a naughty tongue."

- Proverbs 17:4(KJV)

from Strong's Hebrew Dictonary

[b]false[/b]

H205
און
'âven
aw'-ven
From an unused root perhaps meaning properly to pant (hence to exert oneself, usually in vain; to come to naught); strictly nothingness; also trouble, vanity, wickedness; specifically an idol: - affliction, evil, false, idol, iniquity, mischief, mourners (-ing), naught, sorrow, unjust, unrighteous, vain, vanity, wicked (-ness.) Compare H369.

[b]liar[/b]

H8267
שׁקר
sheqer
sheh'-ker
From H8266; an untruth; by implication a sham (often adverbially): - without a cause, deceit (-ful), false (-hood, -ly), feignedly, liar, + lie, lying, vain (thing), wrongfully.

[b]naughty[/b]

H1942
הוּה
havvâh
hav-vaw'
From H1933 (in the sense of eagerly coveting and rushing upon; by implication of falling); desire; also ruin: - calamity, iniquity, mischief, mischievous (thing), naughtiness, naughty, noisome, perverse thing, substance, very wickedness.

[i]edited to correct the Strong's Hebrew entry for the word translated liar which was incorrectly copied as H205 instead of H8267[/i]

"Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work, To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, [i]but[/i] gentle, showing all meekness unto all men."

- Titus 3:1-2(KJV)

[i]speak evil of no man[/i]

[b]speak evil[/b](Strong's Greek Dictionary)

G987
βλασφημέω
blasphēmeō
blas-fay-meh'-o
From G989; to vilify; specifically to speak impiously: - (speak) blaspheme (-er, -mously, -my), defame, rail on, revile, speak evil.

[i]showing all meekness[/i]

[b]meekness[/b](Strong's Greek Dictionary)

G4236
πρᾳότης
praotēs
prah-ot'-ace
From G4235; gentleness; by implication humility: - meekness.

"But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbor?"

- Luke 10:29(KJV)

"Then said Paul unto him, God shall smite thee, [i]thou[/i] whited wall: for sittest thou to judge me after the law, and commandest me to be smitten contrary to the law? And they that stood by said, Revilest thou God's high priest? Then said Paul, I wist not, brethren, that he was the high priest: for it is written, Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people."

- Acts 23:3-5(KJV)

from Strong's Greek Dictionary

[b]revilest[/b]

G3058
λοιδορέω
loidoreō
loy-dor-eh'-o
From G3060; to reproach, that is, vilify: - revile.

[b]speak[/b]

G2046
ἐρέω
ereō
er-eh'-o
Probably a fuller form of G4483; an alternate for G2036 in certain tenses; to utter, that is, speak or say: - call, say, speak (of), tell.

[b]evil[/b]

G2560
κακῶς
kakōs
kak-oce'
Adverb from G2556; badly (physically or morally): - amiss, diseased, evil, grievously, miserably, sick, sore.

Exodus 22:28, 2Pe 2:10-11

"And thus said Shimei when he cursed,

Come out, come out,

thou bloody man,

and thou man of Belial:"

- 2Samuel 16:7(KJV)

"Then said Abishai the son of Zeruiah unto the king, Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? let me go over, I pray thee, and take off his head."

- 2 Samuel 16:9(KJV)

[b]dog[/b](from Strong's Hebrew Dictionary)

H3611
כּלב
keleb
keh'-leb
From an unused root meaning to yelp, or else to attack; a dog; hence (by euphemism) a male prostitute: - dog.

"And when he came to [i]his[/i] disciples, he saw a great multitude about them, and the scribes questioning with them."

- Mark 9:14(KJV)

[b]questioning[/b]

G4802
συζητέω
suzēteō
sood-zay-teh'-o
From G4862 and G2212; to investigate jointly, that is, discuss, controvert, cavil: - dispute (with), enquire, question (with), reason (together).

"The beginning of strife [i]is as[/i] when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with."

- Proverbs 17:14(KJV)

[i]from Strong's Hebrew Dictionary[/i]

[b]strife[/b]

H4066
מדון
mâdôn
maw-dohn'
From H1777; a contest or quarrel: - brawling, contention (-ous), discord, strife. Compare H4079, H4090.

[b]contention[/b]

H7379
רב ריב
rîyb rib
reeb, reeb
From H7378; a contest (personal or legal): - + adversary, cause, chiding, contend (-tion), controversy, multitude [from the margin], pleading, strife, strive (-ing), suit.

"Settle [i]it[/i] therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer: For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist."

- Luke 21:14-15(KJV)

Luke 21:12-15, Mat 10:16-20, Acts 6:8-10

"Of these things put [i]them[/i] in remembrance, charging [i]them[/i] before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, [i]but[/i] to the subverting of the hearers."

- 2Timothy 2:14(KJV)

[b]strive about words[/b]

G3054
λογομαχέω
logomacheō
log-om-akh-eh'-o
From a compound of G3056 and G3164; to be disputatious (on trifles): - strive about words.

[b]subverting[/b]

G2692
καταστροφή
katastrophē
kat-as-trof-ay'
From G2690; an overturn (“catastrophe”), that is, demolition; figuratively apostasy: - overthrow, subverting.

"And as he said these things unto them, the scribes and the Pharisees began to urge [i]him[/i] vehemently, and to provoke him to speak of many things: Laying wait for him, and seeking to catch something out of his mouth, that they might accuse him."

- Luke 11:53-54(KJV)

[b]provoke to speak[/b](From Vincent's Word Studies)

(ἀποστοματίζειν)
Only here in New Testament.
From ἀπό, from, and στόμα, the mouth.
Originally to dictate to a pupil
what he is to learn by heart.
Thus Plato:” When the grammar-master dictated
(ἀποστοματίζοι) to you” (“Euthydemus,” 276).
Hence to catechize, with the idea of putting words
into Christ's mouth, and making him say what
they wanted him to say.

"Woe unto you, lawyers! for ye have taken away the key of knowledge: ye entered not in yourselves, and them that were entering in ye hindered."

- Luke 11:52(KJV)

[b]lawyers[/b]

G3544
νομικός
nomikos
nom-ik-os'
From G3551; according (or pertaining) to law, that is, legal (ceremonially); as noun, an expert in the (Mosaic) law: - about the law, lawyer.

[b]hindered[/b]

G2967
κωλύω
kōluō
ko-loo'-o
From the base of G2849; to estop, that is, prevent (by word or act): - forbid, hinder, keep from, let, not suffer, withstand.

"Where [i]is[/i] the wise? where [i]is[/i] the scribe? where [i]is[/i] the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?"

- 1Corinthians 1:20(KJV)

"Then again called they the man that was blind, and said unto him, Give God the praise: we know that this man is a sinner."

- John 9:24(KJV)

"They answered and said unto him, Thou wast altogether born in sins, and dost thou teach us? And they cast him out."

- John 9:34(KJV)

"But the tongue can no man tame; [i]it is[/i] an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God."

- James 3:8-9(KJV)

[b]curse[/b]

G2672
καταράομαι
kataraomai
kat-ar-ah'-om-ahee
Middle voice from G2671; to execrate; by analogy to doom: - curse.

"And Joseph said unto them,

Fear not: for [i]am[/i] I in the place of God?"

- Genesis 50:19(KJV)

"And the people gave a shout, [i]saying[/i],

[i]It is[/i] the voice of a god,

and not of a man."

- Acts 12:22(KJV)

"The king spoke, and said, Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honor of my majesty?"

- Daniel 4:30(KJV)

"He loveth transgression that loveth strife: [i]and[/i] he that exalteth his gate seeketh destruction."

- Proverbs 17:19(KJV)

"How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! [i]how[/i] art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart,

I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High."

- Isaiah 14:12-14(KJV)

'And now wonder. For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light'

2 Corinthians 11v14.

'Lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices.'

2 Corinthians 2v11.

"...He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it."

- from John chapter 8 verse 44(KJV)

"You shall not bear false witness against your neighbour"

Exodus 20v16

"I believed, therefore have I spoken: I was greatly afflicted:"

- Psalm 116:10(KJV)

[i]I believed, therefore have I spoken[/i]

"Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep your word"

Psalm 119v67

"It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I may learn Your statutes"

Psalm 119v71

"Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life."

- 2Co 3:6(KJV)

"Death and life [i]are[/i] in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof."

- Proverbs 18:21(KJV)

"Even so, the tounge is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles."

James 3v5

"I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not. Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth [i]them[/i] out of the church."

- 3Jn 1:9-10(KJV)

[b]prating against[/b]

G5396
φλυαρέω
phluareō
floo-ar-eh'-o
From G5397; to be a babbler or trifler, that is, (by implication) to berate idly or mischievously: - prate against.

[b]malicious[/b]

G4190
πονηρός
ponēros
pon-ay-ros'
From a derivative of G4192; hurtful, that is, evil (properly in effect or influence, and thus differing from G2556, which refers rather to essential character, as well as from G4550, which indicates degeneracy from original virtue); figuratively calamitous; also (passively) ill, that is, diseased; but especially (morally) culpable, that is, derelict, vicious, facinorous; neuter (singular) mischief, malice, or (plural) guilt; masculine (singular) the devil, or (plural) sinners: - bad, evil, grievous, harm, lewd, malicious, wicked (-ness). See also G4191.

"Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so"

James 3v10

The verse speaks for itself.

"Then answered the Jews, and said unto him,

Say we not well that thou art a Samaritan, and hast a devil?"

- John 8:48(KJV)

"Who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return, when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously"

1 Peter 2v23

"The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things."

- Proverbs 15:28(KJV)

"Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw [i]it[/i], and was glad. Then said the Jews unto him,

Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham?"

- John 8:56-57(KJV)

"For what does the Scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness"

Romans 4v3

"He that answereth a matter before he heareth [i]it[/i], it [i]is[/i] folly and shame unto him."

- Proverbs 18:13(KJV)

"Now the chief priests, and elders, and all the council, sought false witness against Jesus, to put him to death; But found none: yea, though many false witnesses came, [i]yet[/i] found they none.

At the last came two false witnesses, And said,

this [i]fellow[/i] said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days."

- Matthew 26:59-61(KJV)

"A man of great wrath shall suffer punishment: for if thou deliver [i]him[/i], yet thou must do it again."

- Proverbs 19:19(KJV)

"A fool's wrath is presently known: but a prudent [i]man[/i] covereth shame."

- Proverbs 12:16(KJV)

"He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour: but a man of understanding holdeth his peace."

- Proverbs 11:12(KJV)

[b]despiseth[/b]

H936
בּוּז
bûz
booz
A primitive root; to disrespect: - contemn, despise, X utterly.

"A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger"

"The tounge of the wise uses knowledge rightly, but the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness"

Proverbs 15v1-2

These six [i]things[/i] doth the LORD hate: yea, seven [i]are[/i] an abomination unto him:

A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,

An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief

A false witness [i]that[/i] speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren."

Proverbs 6:16-19(KJV)

"Hide me from the secret counsel of the wicked; from the insurrection of the workers of iniquity:

Who whet their tongue like a sword, [i]and[/i] bend [i]their bows to shoot[/i] their arrows, [i]even[/i] bitter words:

That they may shoot in secret at the perfect: suddenly do they shoot at him, and fear not.

They encourage themselves [i]in[/i] an evil matter: they commune of laying snares privily; they say, Who shall see them?"

- Psalm 64:2-5(KJV)

"Blessed is the man, who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful,

But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night".

Psalm 1v1-2

"Where no wood is, [i]there[/i] the fire goeth out: so where [i]there is[/i] no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.

[i]As[/i] coals [i]are[/i] to burning coals, and wood to fire; so [i]is[/i] a contentious man to kindle strife.

The words of a talebearer [i]are[/i] as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly."

- Proverbs 26:20-22(KJV)

[b]talebearer[/b]

H5372
נרגּן
nirgân
neer-gawn'
From an unused root meaning to roll to pieces; a slanderer: - talebearer, whisperer.

[b]contentious[/b]

H4079
מדין
midyân
mid-yawn'
A variation for H4066: - brawling, contention (-ous).

H4066
מדון
mâdôn
maw-dohn'
From H1777; a contest or quarrel: - brawling, contention (-ous), discord, strife. Compare H4079, H4090.

May I make a comment please?

I know this thread is mainly for meditation, and for me, this has been edifying and helpful.

But, the scripture in Proverbs you gave concerning wood, oh my.

There seems, as late, to have been a lot of 'wood' on the forum, rather than godly edification.

I do hope and pray we would be aware of this, and search ourselves, and the Word, before we do undertake to print one letter that would bring discord or contentions.

Sorry about that, now back to the meditation.

"Do not deliver me to the will of my adversaries, for false witnesses have risen against me and such as breath out violence."

Psalm 27v12

"He that hideth hatred [i]with[/i] lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, [i]is[/i] a fool."

- Proverbs 10:18(KJV)

[b]slander[/b]

H1681
דּבּה
dibbâh
dib-baw'
From H1680 (in the sense of furtive motion); slander: - defaming, evil report, infamy, slander.

H1680
דּבב
dâbab
daw-bab'
A primitive root (compare H1679); to move slowly, that is, glide: - cause to speak.

"They compassed me about also with words of hatred; and fought against me without a cause."

- Psalm 109:3(KJV)

"But this happened that the word might be fulfilled which is written in their law, "They hated Me without a cause."

John 15v25

"And [i]some[/i] of the Pharisees which were with him heard these words, and said unto him, Are we blind also?

Jesus said unto them,

If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth."

- John 9:40-41(KJV)

"Let them alone. They are blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both will fall into a ditch"

Matthew 15v14

"But Peter said unto him,

Although all shall be offended, yet [i]will[/i] not I."

- Mark 14:29(KJV)

Peter said to Him, "Lord, why can I not follow You now? I will lay down my life for Your sake"

John 13v37

"Ye do the deeds of your father. Then said they to him,

We be not born of fornication; we have one Father, [i]even[/i] God."

- John 8:41(KJV)

"I am one that bear witness of myself, and the Father that sent me beareth witness of me."

- John 8:18(KJV)

Gen 31:50, 1Sa 12:5, Proverbs 27:2, Rom 1:9, Heb 2:4, 11:4, Rev 1:5, 3:14

"Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!"

- James 3:5(KJV)

[b]boasteth[/b]

G3166
μεγαλαυχέω
megalaucheō
meg-al-ow-kheh'-o
From a compound of G3173 and αὐχέω aucheō (to boast; akin to G837 and G2744); to talk big, that is, be grandiloquent (arrogant, egotistic): - boast great things.

Proverbs 25:14

"May the Lord cut off all flattering lips, and the toungue that speaks proud things."

Psalm 12v3

"Thou hast proved mine heart; thou hast visited [i]me[/i] in the night; thou hast tried me, [i]and[/i] shalt find nothing; I am purposed [i]that[/i] my mouth shall not transgress."

- Psalm 17:3(KJV)

"Concerning the works of men, by the word of thy lips I have kept [i]me from[/i] the paths of the destroyer. Hold up my goings in thy paths, [i]that[/i] my footsteps slip not."

- Psalm 17:4-5(KJV)

"And when they told [i]it[/i] to Jotham, he went and stood in the top of mount Gerizim, and lifted up his voice, and cried, and said unto them,

Hearken unto me, ye men of Shechem, that God may hearken unto you."

- Judges 9:7(KJV)

Mat 10:41

"A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.

The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness."

- Proverbs 15:1-2(KJV)

[b]grevious[/b]

H6089
עצב
‛etseb
eh'-tseb
From H6087; an earthen vessel; usually (painful) toil; also a pang (whether of body or mind): - grievous, idol, labor, sorrow.

[b]aright[/b]

H3190
יטב
yâṭab
yaw-tab'
A primitive root; to be (causatively) make well, literally (sound, beautiful) or figuratively (happy, successful, right): - be accepted, amend, use aright, benefit, be (make) better, seem best, make cheerful, be comely, + be content, diligent (-ly), dress, earnestly, find favour, give, be glad, do (be, make) good ([-ness]), be (make) merry, please (+ well), shew more [kindness], skilfully, X very small, surely, make sweet, thoroughly, tire, trim, very, be (can, deal, entreat, go, have) well [said, seen ].

Proverbs 10:20, 25:11, 1Co 3:12-13, John 6:63, Luke 4:22

"Do not be rash with your mouth, and let not your heart utter anything hastily before God, for God is in heaven, and you on earth, therefore let your words be few"

Ecclesiates 5v2.

The less we say, the better.

"Burning lips and a wicked heart [i]are like[/i] a potsherd covered with silver dross."

- Proverbs 26:23(KJV)

[i]...a potsherd covered with silver dross[/i]

silver [b]dross[/b]

H5509
סוּג סיגo
sı̂yg sûg
seeg, soog
From H5472 in the sense of refuse; scoria: - dross.

[b]grevious[/b](Proverbs 15:1)

H6089
עצב
‛etseb
eh'-tseb
From H6087; an earthen vessel; usually (painful) toil; also a pang (whether of body or mind): - grievous, idol, labor, sorrow.

Gen 2:7, 1Co 15:47, Is 45:9
Jer 6:28-29
John 6:63
Mal 3:3
Proverbs 10:20
Psalm 12:6

From the book of Ezekiel:

"As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?" - Ezekiel 33:11

"These six things the Lord hates, yes, seven are an abomimation to Him,
A proud look, a lying tounge..."

Proverbs 6v16-17

"Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple."

- Romans 16:17-18(KJV)

[b]good words[/b]

G5542
χρηστολογία
chrēstologia
khrase-tol-og-ee'-ah
From a compound of G5543 and G3004; fair speech, that is, plausibility: - good words.

[b]fair speeches[/b]

G2129
εὐλογία
eulogia
yoo-log-ee'-ah
From the same as G2127; fine speaking, that is, elegance of language; commendation (“eulogy”), that is, (reverentially) adoration; religiously, benediction; by implication consecration; by extension benefit or largess: - blessing (a matter of) bounty (X -tifully), fair speech.

"And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love"

1 Corinthians 13

"The voice of the LORD [i]is[/i] upon the waters: the God of glory thundereth: the LORD [i]is[/i] upon many waters. The voice of the LORD [i]is[/i] powerful; the voice of the LORD [i]is[/i] full of majesty."

- Psalm 29:3-4(KJV)

[i]And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake[/i]

"At this my heart trembles, and leaps from its place.
"Hear attentively the thunder of His voice, and the rumbling that comes from His mouth."

Job 37v1-2

When the awsomness of God hits us, then maybe we'll have revival.

"But thou, O son of man, behold, they shall put bands upon thee, and shall bind thee with them, and thou shalt not go out among them: And I will make thy tongue cleave to the roof of thy mouth, that thou shalt be dumb, and shalt not be to them a reprover: for they [i]are[/i] a rebellious house. But when I speak with thee, I will open thy mouth, and thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; He that heareth, let him hear; and he that forbeareth, let him forbear: for they [i]are[/i] a rebellious house."

- Ezekiel 3:25-27(KJV)

John 8:26

"Therefore the prudent shall keep silence in that time; for it is an evil time."

- Amos 5:13(KJV)

"They hate him that rebuketh in the gate, and they abhor him that speaketh uprightly."

- Amos 5:10(KJV)

This verse has always challenged me.

As a person quick to speak I have had to pray many times that the LORD would set a watch on my lips. When I am to be in a group of people I have to pray that the LORD would do this. Failure to ask for God's help about always brings me to grief. Oh, yes, I know, that what it is the heart is what comes out. So, I also need to pray that God would cleanse my heart. But as it is sometimes situations come that will evoke a carnal reaction, so I need a watch.

I have also prayed that God would keep me silent in the midst of potential conflict - not say anything unless prompted by the Holy Spirit.

Ah, such are the trials of the tongue.

But God tells Ezekiel he will keep him silent until He gives him words to say....My desire is the God would also keep me silent unless there are edifying words to speak.

Thanks for the reminder, Chris.

ginnyrose

Rebuke. Uprightly.

Such as it is, they are needed in the church, but not accepted by many.

We are told in Isaiah 59v15, 'Yea, tuth faileth, and he that departeth from evil maketh himself a prey...

However, we are to guard our words. James reminds us that a fountain cannot contain both sweet and bitter water.

So it should be with our speech.

If someone walks uprightly, and we are rebuked by them, do we have the grace and maturity to accept it?

God bless.