Topical Study : Proverbs 12 - 17

Here I am again trying to play catch-up !  Forgive me, dedicated Proverbs readers!  I have fallen behind due to a blessed week of Vacation Bible School (not a good excuse, I know!) 

I have missed so much in not blogging chapter by chapter, but I have a proposal for you:  Every Chapter is rich with Topics.  Today, I will Zoom through a topic and offer the insight we find in these six chapters.

TOMORROW -- We'll start afresh with Chapter 18!

OUR MOUTHS:  The entire Book of Proverbs is FULL of references to things we say.  Basically, it offers lots of warnings about how we use our mouths!  Let's take a look: 

The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood, but the speech of the upright rescues them.
-Proverbs 12: 6

The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice. Proverbs 12:15


Fools show their annoyance at once, but the prudent overlook an insult. - Proverbs 12:16

An honest witness tells the truth, but a false witness tells lies. --Proverbs 12:17

The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
--Proverbs 12:18

Those who guard their lips preserve their lives, but those who speak rashly will come to ruin.
--Proverbs 13:3

A fool’s mouth lashes out with pride, but the lips of the wise protect them. - Proverbs 14:3

An honest witness does not deceive, but a false witness pours out lies. - Proverbs 14:5
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. - Proverbs 15:1

The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit. -Proverbs 15:4

A fool spurns a parent’s discipline, but whoever heeds correction shows prudence. - Proverbs 15:5

The lips of the wise spread knowledge, but the hearts of fools are not upright. -Proverbs 15:7

A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a quarrel.
- Proverbs 15:18

The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil.
- Proverbs 15:28

Kings take pleasure in honest lips; they value the one who speaks what is right. -Proverbs 16:13

Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. - Proverbs 16:24

 A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends. -Proverbs 16:28

The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even-tempered. -Proverbs 17:27

Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues.
- Proverbs 17:28


ARGH!!!!! I can't take it any more!  These mouth verses hit so close to home -- I am struck to silence!

If we could all review these mouth verses on a regular basis -- there would be a lot less trauma in our families, our social scenes, our work AND our churches!!!!!

Here's the scoop: 

1. God gave us two ears and one mouth:  LISTEN more and talk less!!!
2. Don't gossip
3. THINK before you speak!
4. Don't tell lies!
5. Try using gentler words -- BUILD PEOPLE UP!
6. LISTEN to advice and instruction - be slow to speak.
7. Don't talk like you know it all. THINK IT THROUGH.
8. Be kind.

WEW!  Points well taken!  Here is something you can do with your children -- Make a domino train -- Set up dominos on their edges in a row.  When we lie or say harmful things or gossip, it not only hurts us, it hurts others.  Touch one domino -- the others fall down.  Make a game of making domino "runs" and think of all the ways we touch others with our words and actions.

You never know who might be hurt by your words.  BE CAREFUL!

Another approach to take is to hammer nails into an old board.  These are like our words.  Maybe we can take them back (pry those nails from the board) -- but the holes will ALWAYS be there!  WATCH WHAT YOU SAY!

These are great visuals with children and teens!