In a culture where words travel faster than wisdom, the Book of Proverbs offers timeless guidance on how we use our tongues. Pastor Léveillé explores this vital topic in a message that reminds us that our speech is never neutral. It flows from the heart and carries the power to build up or tear down. Drawing from several passages in Proverbs, this sermon presents three essential principles to help believers guard their words and honour God in their speech.
Check the Source of Your Words (Proverbs 4:24; 15:28; 16:23-24)
Proverbs 4:24 instructs us, “Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee.” The wise person does not merely manage crooked speech but actively removes it. A froward mouth speaks with crooked motives, whether through dishonesty, harshness, manipulation, sarcasm, or bitterness. Even technically correct words can come from a sinful heart.
Proverbs 15:28 states, “The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.” The righteous take time to consider their response. They pause, weigh their words, and speak with purpose rather than pouring out whatever comes to mind. In contrast, the fool speaks first and thinks later.
Proverbs 16:23-24 adds, “The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips. Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.” The heart must first be taught by wisdom so that the mouth becomes its student. Speech can be discipled. We cannot excuse destructive patterns by saying, “That is just how I talk.” The Lord calls us to train our lips under the influence of the Holy Spirit rather than the flesh.
Before we speak, we must ask: Is this coming from anger or from the Holy Spirit? Is it rooted in love or in self? A Christian should never hold a Bible in one hand and a blade in the other.
Consider the Damage of Your Words (Proverbs 10:19; 13:3; 16:28; 17:9; 18:6-8; 20:19)
Proverbs 10:19 warns, “In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.” The more carelessly we speak, the greater the opportunity for sin, including exaggeration, boasting, gossip, complaining, and anger.
Proverbs 13:3 declares, “He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.” An unguarded mouth invites trouble. Proverbs 16:28 adds, “A froward man soweth strife: and a whisper separateth chief friends.” Crooked hearts plant seeds of division through whispers, suspicions, and private conversations.
Proverbs 17:9 states, “He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.” Sins should be addressed at the level they were committed, following biblical principles such as those in Matthew 18. Repeating matters unnecessarily destroys relationships. Proverbs 18:6-8 and 20:19 further illustrate how a fool’s lips lead to contention and how the words of a talebearer wound deeply and spread strife.
Words may leave our lips quickly, but their effects can last a lifetime. Gossip is never harmless. Before we speak, we must consider the damage our words may cause and remember that not everything in our hearts deserves a microphone.
Choose the Purpose of Your Words (Proverbs 10:21; 15:4, 23; 16:24; 25:11; 25:20)
Proverbs does not stop at restraint. It calls us to use our words for good. Proverbs 10:21 says, “The lips of the righteous feed many: but fools die for want of wisdom.” Righteous speech nourishes and strengthens others.
Proverbs 15:4 states, “A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.” Our words can either build up or break down. Proverbs 15:23 adds, “A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!” Timing matters greatly.
Proverbs 16:24 reminds us, “Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.” Encouragement costs little to give but much to withhold. Proverbs 25:11 declares, “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.” Wise words are crafted with care and placed at the right moment.
Proverbs 25:20 warns against insensitive speech: “As he that taketh away a garment in cold weather, and as vinegar upon nitre, so is he that singeth songs to an heavy heart.” A heavy heart needs compassionate wisdom, not shallow cheerfulness. In the first conversation with someone suffering, our primary task is to give hope in God.
Our homes and churches should be filled with gracious, encouraging, and truthful words. Thank the faithful. Strengthen the discouraged. Welcome the returning. Honour the elderly. Correct with humility. Speak with grace seasoned with salt.
Conclusion
Death and life are in the power of the tongue (Proverbs 18:21). Our words reflect our hearts and shape our relationships, our churches, and our testimony. By checking the source, considering the damage, and choosing the purpose of our speech, we can move from careless words to words that glorify God and bless others. May the Lord help us to disciple our tongues so that they become instruments of righteousness in His hands.
