Every Man's Bible - Proverbs - Flipbook - Page 21
page 847
+ IT’S NOT EASY TO CONTROL YOUR TALK
+ WORDS HAVE AN EFFECT
Indeed, we all make many mistakes. For if we
could control our tongues, we would be perfect
and could also control ourselves in every
other way.
We can make a large horse go wherever we
want by means of a small bit in its mouth. And
a small rudder makes a huge ship turn wherever
the pilot chooses to go, even though the winds
are strong. In the same way, the tongue is a
small thing that makes grand speeches.
But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire.
And among all the parts of the body, the tongue is
a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness,
corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole
life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself.
People can tame all kinds of animals, birds,
reptiles, and fish, but no one can tame the
tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison.
Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and
sometimes it curses those who have been made
in the image of God. And so blessing and cursing
come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my
brothers and sisters, this is not right! Does a spring
of water bubble out with both fresh water and
bitter water? Does a fig tree produce olives, or a
grapevine produce figs? No, and you can’t draw
fresh water from a salty spring. JAMES 3:2-12
From a wise mind comes
wise speech;
the words of the wise
are persuasive.
Kind words are like
honey—
sweet to the soul and
healthy for the body.
PROVERBS 16:23-24
+++
A gentle answer
deflects anger,
but harsh words
make tempers
flare. PROVERBS 15:1
+++
Gentle words are a tree
of life;
a deceitful tongue
crushes the spirit.
PROVERBS 15:4
+++
Wise words will win you
a good meal,
but treacherous people
have an appetite for
violence.
Those who control their
tongue will have a
long life;
opening your mouth
can ruin everything.
PROVERBS 13:2-3
+ BUT IT’S WORTH THE EFFORT
Does anyone want to live a life
that is long and prosperous?
Then keep your tongue from speaking evil
and your lips from telling lies!
Turn away from evil and do good.
Search for peace, and work to maintain it.
PSALM 34:12-14
+++
Some people make
cutting remarks,
but the words of
the wise bring
healing.
PROVERBS 12:18
