Young Adults' Group

The Tongue Of The Righteous And Wise

by Pastor Mark
July 17, 2025

The use of the tongue

We use our tongue to speak every day and many words are said. The words we speak reflect who we are. Yet, many of us are not conscious of what we say and tend to speak words impulsively, only to regret them later. Do we speak words that are truly righteous and wise, or are they more wicked and foolish? The author of Proverbs wrote about this contrast in the use of words. The challenge is for us to reflect righteousness and wisdom in what we say.

1. Words that give life

“The mouth of the righteous is a well of life, but violence covers the mouth of the wicked.” (Proverbs 10:11)

1. A righteous man will speak words that will give life to others.
2. His mouth is compared to a well that is full of life-giving water.
3. His words will uplift and encourage others…to bring renewal to their lives.
4. But those who are wicked will speak words of violence.
5. Such words will cause harm, hurt and discouragement to many.

2. Words of wisdom

“Wisdom is found on the lips of him who has understanding, but a rod is for the back of him who is devoid of understanding.” (Proverbs 10:13)

1. A righteous man has knowledge and understanding.
2. He has sought to know and discover truths…to go deeper in his understanding.
3. The words that he speaks will be full of wisdom and discernment.
4. But a wicked man has no understanding nor wisdom.
5. He does foolish things that will end with adverse consequences.

3. The wisdom of restraining our words

“In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is wise.” (Proverbs 10:19)

1. A man of righteousness will seek to restrain his lips.
2. He has the wisdom to be careful with his words, even to be silent if necessary.
3. He does not allow himself to speak impulsively and unwisely.
4. But a foolish man will speak a multitude of words in an unrestrained manner.
5. He will end up committing numerous sins for his many words.

4. The worth of the words of the righteous

“The tongue of the righteous is choice silver; the heart of the wicked is worth little.” (Proverbs 10:20)

1. The value of the words of the righteous is worth much.
2. They are compared to choice silver, something most precious.
3. These words are to be appreciated and treasured.
4. But the value of the words of the wicked is of little worth.

5. Words that feed people

“The lips of the righteous feed many, but fools die for lack of wisdom.” (Proverbs 10:21)

The wise words of the righteous will be good food for the soul, nourishing and strengthening…to help others grow and thrive. But the foolish man, who lacks much wisdom, will falter and die. Let us guard against speaking foolish and wicked words. Let us be challenged to speak wise words as we seek to live righteously and be a blessing to others.

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