"The godly think before speaking; the wicked spout evil words.” Proverbs 15:28
How bout’ some good ole East Texas slang?
-You might be a fool if… you constantly lie-Proverbs 6:12
-You might be a fool if …your heart is perverted.-Proverbs 6:14
-You might be a fool if…you stir up trouble constantly.-Proverbs 6:14
-You might be a fool if…you cover up your harmful intentions.-Proverbs 10:11
-You might be a fool if…you lie by hiding hatred, and if you slander.-Proverbs 10:18
-You might be a fool if…talk too much.-Proverbs 10:19
-You might be a fool if…you have a tongue that deceives.-Proverbs 10:31
-You might be a fool if…you speak only what is corrupt.-Proverbs 10:32
-You might be a fool if…your evil words destroy a friend. –Proverbs 11:9
-You might be a fool if…you belittle a neighbor.-Proverbs 11:12
-You might be a fool if…you’re a gossip that reveals secrets.-Proverbs 11:13
-You might be a fool if…you are quick tempered.-Proverbs 12:16
-You might be a fool if…you tell lies.-Proverbs 12:17
-You might be a fool if…you make cutting remarks.-Proverbs 12:18
-You might be a fool if …you lead your friend’s astray.-Proverbs 12:26
-You might be a fool if…you use harsh words to stir up anger.-Proverbs 15:1
-You might be a fool if…you’re a hot head.-Proverbs 15:18
-You might be a fool if…you spout evil words.-Proverbs 15:28
-You might be a fool if…tell about a person’s faults.-Proverbs 17:9
-You might be a fool if…you being quarrels.-Proverbs 17:14
-You might be a fool if…you give advice before listening to the facts.-Proverbs 18:13
-You might be a fool if…you love to talk.-Proverbs 18:21
-You might be a fool if…your words are always stirring up trouble.-Proverbs 24:1
-You might be a fool if…tell lies about others.-Proverbs 25:1
-You might be a fool if…you are a quarrelsome person starting fights.-Proverbs 26:21
-You might be a fool if…you try to use smooth words to hide your wickedness.-Proverbs 26:23
-You might be a fool if…you pretend to be kind.-Proverbs 26:24
-You might be a fool if…you give full vent to anger.-Proverbs 29:11
-You might be beyond a fool if…you speak without thinking.-Proverbs 29:20
The truth is, if this describes our speech, than brethren we are fools. I wonder today how many of us are being honest with ourselves and admitting our own foolishness. It is so much easier to deny it and become defensive towards others, instead of just admitting our own fool like speech. I think today is the day we get honest with ourselves and allow the Holy Spirit to speak to our hearts and reveal our need for change.
I don’t know about you but I want to be changed, I want every part of my speech to be Christ-like. I don’t want to speak like a fool; I don’t want to have a heart like a fool. I don’t want to participate with those who choose to speak like fools. I want to be among the wise!
Let me ask you something. When was the last time you stopped yourself or someone else from preceding in foolish talk; gossip, lies, anger etc. Do you find yourself wanting to but don’t in fear of offending them. Well just remember we offend God more by allowing it to continue.
I encourage you today brethren to find a godly friend who you trust and know will keep you accountable in your speech. It must be one who displays wise speech themselves. Ask them to help you and call you out when you begin speaking foolishly. When they do, listen to them, don’t get mad, or defensive, remember you gave them permission to do so.
Prayer; Lord place godly people in our lives who are willing to call us out and keep us accountable in our speech. Lord make our speech Christ-like. Replace the fool within us and make us wise. Amen
