~God tells us what wise speech does and what it is:

1: A soft answer turns away wrath, but grievous words stir up anger. *Anger is literally removed by a gentle response, but a heated response and harsh words just fuels the flame.

2: The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, but the mouth of fools pours out foolishness.

The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good. V: 3 *A reminder for all of us:  The LORD is always watching.*

4: A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.

7: The lips of the wise spread knowledge: but the heart of the fool does not do so.

23: A man has joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good it is!

26: The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD: but the words of the pure are pleasant words.

28: The heart of the righteous studies how to answer: but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.

      ~God tells us of the actions of the wicked and what they are:

8: The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the foolish is His delight.

9: The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the LORD: but he loves him that follows after righteousness.

19: The way of the slothful man is a hedge of thorns: but the way of the righteous is made plain. *The lazy man multiplies his own obstacles in life, but he righteous man moves freely down life’s road.

27a: He that is greedy of gain troubles his own house.

32a: He that refuses instruction despises his own soul.

      ~God tells us of the heart of the wise:

13a: A merry heart makes a cheerful face.

14a: The heart of him that has understanding seeks knowledge.

15b: He that is of a merry heart has a continual feast.

30: The light of the eyes rejoices the heart.

For Today: The Word of God never deviates. It always shows us what is right and what is wrong. And it always shows us the consequences of choosing right and of choosing wrong. It also always points us to the heart as the wellspring of life: it is the source that determines how we will speak and how we will act.

Take some time today to study the evidence of wisdom; in general, and in your own life. God gives us His Word not just for ‘reference’ but for daily renewal.

33: The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honor is humility.