THE FOUR TONGUES

What we say probably affects more people than any other action we take. Four common speech patterns are described in the Book of Proverbs. The first two should be copied, while the last two should be avoided. 1) The Controlled Tongue Those with this speech pattern think before speaking, know when silence is best, and give wise advice (Proverbs 10:14, 19; 11:12,13; 12:16; 13:3; 15:1,4,28; 16:23; 17:14,27,28; 18:4; 21:23; 24:26; 26:17). 2) The Caring Tongue Those with this speech pattern speak truthfully while seeking to encourage (Proverbs 10:32; 2:18,25; 15:23,26; 16:24; 25:15; 27:9). 3) The Conniving Tongue Those with this speech pattern are filled with wrong motives, gossip, slander, and twist the truth (Proverbs 6:12-14; 8:13; 16:28; 18:8; 25:18; 26:4,5,20-28). 4) The Careless Tongue Those with this speech pattern are filled with lies, curses, quick-tempered words - which can lead to rebellion and destruction (Proverbs 10:18, 32; 11:9; 12:16,18; 15:4; 17:9,14,19; 18:21; 20:19; 25:23). - Life Application Bible