A Mouth of Wisdom and Kindness
Written by Rebekah T.

 

I have been studying Proverbs 31 recently, and have found verse 26 to be very convicting. "She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness." As women of God, we need to be especially careful to guard our mouths. I know we hear this a lot, but I find myself needing constant reminders. James reminds us that no man (or woman) can tame the tongue. Because we are Christians, our speech should be different from those who are unsaved. Proverbs 31:26 offers much insight into this issue.

The first part of the verse says that the virtuous woman opens her mouth with wisdom. Before she even begins to speak, she shows wisdom. She has stopped to consider what she will say, how she will say it, why she is saying it, and what will be the result of her words. She thinks carefully, as described in Proverbs 29:11, which says that "A fool vents all his feelings, but a wise man holds them back." The virtuous woman is willing not to say something that could be a stumbling block to others, and she wisely refrains from idle talk.

In the second half of the verse, we learn that "in [the virtuous woman's] tongue is the law of kindness." What does this mean for us? A law is inflexible - it does not allow for exceptions. How often do we break the "law of kindness" when we speak? How many exceptions do we make to this rule? I know I often find myself regretting my words after I have spoken. Colossians 4:6 exhorts us to "let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man." Not only does the virtuous woman keep silent from speaking the wrong words, but she also intentionally speaks words of kindness to others. We can picture her having happy household, as she daily encourages and supports her husband and children, with loving and joyful words of praise and cheer. It is no wonder that her children rise up and call her blessed, and that her husband praises her! We should be striving to meet this goal every day - "She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness."
 

 

 

 

 

 

Visitors on page since June 23, 2007