Parenting by the Book
STUDY 75
Text: Proverbs 10
Dear Parents,
THE IMPROPER AND UNWISE USE OF THE TONGUE
Let us take a good look at the improper use of the tongue, as described in Proverbs 10.
1. “… but a prating fool will fall.”
Proverbs 10:8, 10
The word “prating” may be defined as, “idle chatter”. There are some who will chatter away meaninglessly for hours! Yet, for all their words, there is little worth in what they say. There is no depth, significance, wisdom etc.
2. “… violence covers the mouth of the wicked.”
Proverbs 10:11
Watch the person who is wicked, and you will find that his words would be full of “violence”.
a) His language would be inclined to promote violence.
b) His heart and mind are inclined towards violence and thus his mouth will also lean towards speaking violence.
3. “… the mouth of the foolish is near destruction.”
Proverbs 10:14
The person who is foolish endangers himself. He could end up saying things that could see him destroyed!
a) He could be committing himself foolishly, and thus end up ruined.
b) He could be saying things that could endanger his life.
4. “Whoever hides hatred has lying lips,
And whoever spreads slander is a fool.”
Proverbs 10:18
This text warns us against two unwise and improper forms of speaking:-
a) The tongue can be used to hide “hatred”. The person who practices such deception has “lying lips”.
b) The tongue can also be used so maliciously, that it spreads slander. This use of the tongue is also frowned upon.
5. “In the multitude of words, sin is not lacking…”
Proverbs 10:19
It is natural for us to speak to one another. However, we must guard against being too talkative. A person can be carried away with his talking and in the end, in the multitude of words, he inevitably sins.
WATCH HOW THE CHILDREN USE THEIR TONGUES!
We have not yet completed our observations of what Proverbs 10 teaches concerning the tongue. But even a cursory glance would tell us that it is important that we pay attention to how our children use their tongues. Let us guide them carefully, so that they would not speak unwisely or improperly. Guidance from parents is vital.
Prayerfully,
Pastor Charlie