Proverbs in 31 DaysSample

The first nine chapters of Proverbs serve as an introduction to the book, detailing the precepts and value of wisdom. This chapter starts a new section of the book, beginning the collection of Solomon’s proverbs. He addresses a wide range of topics in the form of single-verse sayings that deal with issues in our everyday lives. There is a disjointed organization in this chapter, with each proverb jumping around from one topic to the next. Solomon gives contrasts between the righteous and the wicked, the wise and the foolish, and the diligent and the idle. We are going to focus today specifically on the proverbs concerning our words.

The book of Proverbs has a lot to say about our words and is filled with great wisdom regarding how we are to speak. Our words and the words of others have incredible power. Proverbs 18:21 says that the tongue can bring life or death. It can encourage or discourage. It can build up or tear down. There are numerous ways that this chapter describes the tongue. For the wise, the tongue is depicted as a fountain of life (v. 11), choice silver (v. 20), and a place where knowledge is stored (v. 14). For the foolish, the tongue is depicted as something that conceals violence (v. 11), spreads slander (v. 18), and invites ruin (v. 14). What comes out of our mouth is evidence of either our wisdom or our foolishness.

Many of us remember words that have been spoken over us. Either words that have lifted us up, or words that have torn us down. Some of the greatest hurts we might have felt are from the words of others. Words impact people. We get the opportunity as believers to speak words of life over those around us. Words that are kind. Words that are sweet. Words that are healing. Proverbs 16:24 says that “Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” We can bring healing and sweetness to the souls of people simply through the words we use. Ephesians 4:29 tells us that we are not to let any unwholesome talk come out of our mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. The words of the wise build up and benefit others.

Don’t neglect the small opportunities to encourage others with your words. Tell people that they matter, that they are valuable, and that their lives have incredible purpose. Remind people that they are not alone, that the Lord is with them, and that you believe in them. Encourage people that they are made in the image of God, that they are beautiful, and that they are deeply loved. Speak the good news over people, that God loved them so much that He sent His son to die for them. Let's build one another up with our words and spur one another on towards love and good deeds.