Proverbs 18

"A fool finds no pleasure in understanding
but delights in airing his own opinions.

The words of a man's mouth are deep waters,
but the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.

A fool's lips bring him strife,
and his mouth invites a beating.

A fool's mouth is his undoing,
and his lips are a snare to his soul.

The words of a gossip are like choice morsels;
they go down to a man's inmost parts.

He who answers before listening -
that is his folly and his shame.

The tongue has the power of life and death,
and those who live it will eat its fruit.

Words that cross our lips

Each of these proverbs concern the tongue, the lips, the mouth, and the words that come out. In light of these proverbs, I will carefully pay attention to my conversation. Being careful to listen, thinking, then speaking. It is important in a concise discussion to know the facts before answering. I want to be open to new ideas, and most of all hear both sides of the story before judging.

As I try to pattern my life after my Savior,

Jesus Christ,

I read in Isaiah 53:7

"He was oppressed and afflicted,

yet he did not open his mouth;

he was lead like a lamb to the slaughter,

and as a sheep before her shearers is silent,

so he did not open his mouth."

Controlling the tongue is a daily discipline.

Use it wisely, says Solomon