The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence. Proverbs 10:11, TLV
What Words Say. Today’s Proverb chapter has a clear theme: the words we speak. A theme that is repeated throughout Scripture. Why? If ever there was a time when the spoken word is consequential, it is now.
Words have an impact. Our Creator spoke the Universe into being (Genesis 1). GOD’s Word was made flesh in Yeshua/Jesus (John 1). Indeed, words have power.
What we have discovered in the headlines and social media, and even in our own families is that our words can encourage or discourage. Our words can enlighten or confuse. Build up or tear down. Heal or wound.
The words we speak affect us as well as others. Too many words can create chaos, not enough words can create want.
Have you ever felt that tug to not say what you feel compelled to say? Has your heart raced because you know you are to say something? That’s our discernment muscle kicking in.
I’ve ignored promptings of the Holy Spirit to keep my mouth shut and have had to do varying degrees 
of damage control because I didn’t listen. I’ve ignored promptings to speak, and I must say it still hurts today. I know I’m forgiven, but I also know that those moments were my only opportunity and I missed them.
These are the sobering, tough lessons we can learn from. To learn to use our words wisely and in obedience.
What our words say …
Then there’s a deeper lesson in this verse. Our words can reveal what is truly in our heart. They can reveal unforgiveness, racism, anger, hatred, division, other ploys of the enemy. I’ve heard gifted speakers who inspired huge audiences hide their infidelity or other sins.
Just know, eventually God will reveal the sins of those who use His Name in vain—to hide their sins.
But the things that proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart, and those things make the man unholy. For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, and slander. (Matthew 15:18-19, TLV)
Back in the late 1970s, my 4’11” mother and her cousin had heard that a local evangelical organization that was a branch of a reputable international organization, was a front for a white supremacy group. They snuck into a meeting and sure enough the antisemitic and racist teachings were rampant. My mother reported them to the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), who reported them to higher government authorities who then disbanded the group.
As this proverb states, eventually the evil in the heart of someone manifests.
No one is perfect. We’re all learning, but if our words do not reflect the fountain of life or manifest something counter to what Scripture says, then seek the Holy Spirit. The Spirit will show us where that darkness is and help us eradicate it.
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable before You, ADONAI [the LORD], my Rock and my Redeemer. (Psalm 19:15, TLV)
Note to Self:
Have I spoken when I should have been silent? Have I been silent when I should have spoken?
Thank you for your courage to read, comment, and share. It is greatly appreciated. God bless you.
