Ladies Corner
She Speaks With Wisdom
“She opens her mouth with wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness.” (Proverbs 31:26)
The woman from Proverbs 31 “opens her mouth with wisdom” because she is wise. Her speech is a reflection of who she is inside. Luke 6:45 records these words of Jesus:
“A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.”
Therefore, what we say, and how we say it, is a reflection of our heart. As women striving for godliness, choosing our words and tone wisely is very important. With our words, we can edify (build up) or tear down (Ephesians 4:29), refresh or crush the spirit (Proverbs 15:4), bless or curse (James 5:9-10). Our words affect every relationship in our lives, and godly speech should be the goal of every woman in all stages of life. There are many passages in Proverbs that express the impact our words can have on others, whether good or bad. Here are only a few:
“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)
“A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” (Proverbs 15:1)
“The hypocrite with his mouth destroys his neighbor…” (Proverbs 11:9a)
So, what is our goal? Do we long to brighten someone’s day, or destroy it; calm and encourage them, or stir up anger and strife? I’m afraid we often fail to realize the positive and/or negative effects our words have on those around us.
There are also New Testament Bible passages that emphasize the importance of our speech. In fact, Colossians 3:17 implies that our words carry just as much weight as our actions!
“And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”
Our words and deeds should always bring honor to our Creator, and be in compliance with His will. Therefore, we must know how God would want us to speak. That takes diligent study and determination.
“The heart of the righteous studies how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours forth evil.” (Proverbs 15:28)
In stark contrast to the Proverbs 31 woman is the wife of Job. After Job has lost all of his children and property, Satan then attacks his health. It is during this suffering we discover the true heart of Job’s wife.
“Then his wife said to him, ‘Do you still hold fast to your integrity? Curse God and die!’” (Job 2:9)
As you continue in that context, Job goes on to tell her she speaks as “one of the foolish women.”
It is time for an honest evaluation! What do your words say about your heart? Are you choosing to speak wisely, like the blessed woman of Proverbs; or foolishly, like the wife of Job? How will you be known in the day of judgment? Remember the words of Jesus:
“For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” (Matthew 12:37)
