In our last visit we found that Proverbs encourages us to develop the Christ-like communication skill of knowing our audience before we speak. Christ always knew what, if anything, to say to a given person because He knew what was in a man. I don’t always know that.
In fact, I don’t always know what’s in my own heart. That’s why, before I speak to anyone else, I need to guard against destructive tendencies, which is the second point in our outline. Much is said in Proverbs about the danger of a lack of character to back up what you say. Proverbs 26:23-26 warns: “a malicious man disguises himself with his lips…His malice may be concealed by deception, but his wickedness will be exposed in the assembly.”
Sooner or later bad character will experience a backlash: “A fool’s talk brings a rod to his back. …A fool’s mouth is his undoing, his lips are a snare to his soul.” (Proverbs 14:3 & 18:7). The consequences are self-destructive and others are hurt as well. Proverbs 16:27 and 11:9 say, “A scoundrel’s speech is like scorching fire…With his mouth the godless destroys his neighbor.”
Wicked men will listen to evil lips (Proverbs 17:4), not realizing, “the words of the wicked lie in wait for blood” (Proverbs 12:6). Repeatedly the warning is sounded. So, before you speak to anyone, be sure to guard against destructive tendencies.
