The Four Tongues

The heart controls what the tongue says.

What we say probably affects more people than any other action we take. It is not surprising, then, to find that proverbs gives special attention to words and how they are used. Four common speech patterns are described in Proverbs. The first two should be copied, while the last two should be avoided.

•The Controlled Tongue
-Those with this speech pattern think before speaking, know when silence is best, and give wise advice.

•The Caring Tongue
-Those with this speech pattern speak truthfully while seeking to encourage.

•The Conniving Tongue
-Those with this speech pattern are filled with wrong motives, gossip, slander and a desire to twist the truth.

•The Careless Tongue
-Those with this speech pattern are filled with lies, curses, quick-tempered words – which can lead to rebellion and destruction.