“The Tongue of the Righteous” (Proverbs 10:20)

by Bryan Gibson

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue…” (Proverbs 18:21). It has great power to hurt, and great power to help. Let’s turn our attention this week to some ways it can help. But before we look at some specifics, let’s notice some general statements about the value of well-chosen words.

“There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, but the tongue of the wise promotes health” (Proverbs 12:18).

“Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones” (Proverbs 16:24).

“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver” (Proverbs 25:11).

Now, let’s look at some specific ways the tongue can be used to help others.

It can help someone who is depressed.

“Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, but a good word makes it glad” (Proverbs 12:25).

It can cool down a heated argument.

“A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Proverbs 15:1).

It can rebuke those who are sinning.

“Do not correct a scoffer, lest he hate you; rebuke a wise man, and he will love you” (Proverbs 9:8)

“He who rebukes a man will find more favor afterward than he who flatters with the tongue” (Proverbs 28:23).

“Like an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold is a wise rebuker to an obedient ear” (Proverbs 25:12).

It can be used to sing and pray.

“...teaching and admonishing one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs...” (Colossians 3:16).

“The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much” (James 5:16).

It can be used to win souls to the Lord.

“The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise” (Proverbs 11:30).

“My tongue shall speak of Your word, for all Your commandments are righteousness” (Psalms 119:172).