What struck me reading the book is how many of its wisdom sayings have to do with speech. A huge theme in the book of Proverbs is speaking the truth:
Whoever conceals hatred with lying lipsI know Proverbs can be a bit moralizing, but my goodness, the world needs to hear this message.We are lost in a sea of lies, spin, half-truths, and propaganda.
and spreads slander is a fool.
The plans of the righteous are just,
but the advice of the wicked is deceitful.
Evildoers are trapped by their sinful talk,
and so the innocent escape trouble.
An honest witness tells the truth,
but a false witness tells lies.
The words of the reckless pierce like swords,
but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
Truthful lips endure forever,
but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.
Deceit is in the hearts of those who plot evil,
but those who promote peace have joy.
The Lord detests lying lips,
but he delights in people who are trustworthy.
A wicked messenger falls into trouble,
but a trustworthy envoy brings healing.
An honest witness does not deceive,
but a false witness pours out lies.
Let us speak truthfully.
