The Preachers Wife

Learning When To Speak

She openeth her mouth with wisdom: and in her tongue is the law of kindness. Proverbs 31:26

Our mouths are quite a unique feature of the human race.  It’s the only aspect that can cause a great deal of pain, can soothe, or uplift an individual.  This particular body part can get us in a great deal of trouble when used improperly. Waves of despair and hurt can be tracked back to one misstep, one slip of the mouth.  If you’ve ever been it’s target, chances are you have, then you know how badly it can hurt your life, friendships, ministry, marriage, children, and your reputation.

We see here in the first part of the verse that the virtuous woman opens her mouth with wisdom.  She knew when to speak and when to keep herself quiet.  She didn’t have “loose lips” and spout out whatever she felt whenever she felt it.  Imagine if you did that at any given time.  Chances are most wouldn’t care to be around you too much.  Learning discretion and reverence for those in your presence lifts up your Father in Heaven.  Jesus wasn’t degrading people as he walked the earth.  He was a thoughtful man who considered the feelings of the others around him.  Unfortunately, our society teaches us to say whatever we think.  That’s incorrect.  Sometimes saying something just because you feel it is very harmful.  Imagine if those who are in your company said whatever they felt about you.  Would you care to be around them?  Be kind and considerate, it will take you far with others.  Your self-control may help others come to Christ because they don’t see a hot-head or loose lips claiming Christ. 

Let us look at the second part of that verse, and in her tongue is the law of kindness.  We can’t expect to get through this particular verse without expecting a mention of gossip.  First, let’s just say it doesn’t matter who you are (Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons. Acts 10:34) male or female, rich or poor, saved or lost.  Gossip is a hurtful and harmful aspect that everyone faces at some point.  It’s absolutely tough at times to avoid because we are curious creatures but the affects are truly devastating.  The virtuous woman had the law of kindness in her tongue which means she didn’t cause harm with her mouth.  Sometimes we have every good intention, we truly want to help.  Yet some how, somewhere those good intentions were twisted and turned into all-in-all gossip.  Ninety-nine percent of the time, it’s no one’s business.  

Consider your mouth and your speech, watch what you say and how you say it.  Being a good witness for Christ and for other Christians is to set an example that “I don’t do that because my Creator didn’t.”  If you need help, ask your Father, he’ll gladly help.  Find yourself on your knees somewhere and ask for that heavenly reminder to keep your speech in check.

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