The wisdom literature has a lot to say about the power of words and our responsibility to discipline our tongues. Here are some principles taught in the books of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes:
1. Words have great power to heal and to harm.
- “A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit” (Proverbs 15:4).
- “Death and life are in the power of the tongue” (Proverbs 18:21).
Book of Mormon connection: Jacob tells his people that he supposes that many of them have come to hear “the word which healeth the wounded soul.” He is sorry that the words he must share will be like “daggers placed to pierce their souls and wound their delicate minds” (Jacob 2:8-9).
2. Lying and flattery are destructive.
- “Lying lips are abomination to the Lord: but they that deal truly are his delight” (Proverbs 12:22).
- “A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin” (Proverbs 26:28).
- “A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his feet” (Proverbs 29:5).
Book of Mormon connections: Jacob says, “Wo unto the liar, for he shall be thrust down to hell” (2 Nephi 9:34). And Sherem, who confronted Jacob, “could use much flattery, and much power of speech, according to the power of the devil” (Jacob 7:4). Flattery is a recurring theme in the Book of Mormon. It is used by King Noah, Korihor, Amalackiah, Gadianton, and others.
3. Words can inflame or extinguish contention.
- “A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger” (Proverbs 15:1).
- “Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth. As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife” (Proverbs 26:20-21).
Book of Mormon connection: Before the birth of the Savior, “Satan … did go about spreading rumors and contentions upon all the face of the land” (Helaman 16:22). When Jesus visited Lehi’s descendants, He said, “He that hath the spirit of contention is not of me, but is of the devil, who is the father of contention, and he stirreth up the hearts of men to contend with anger, one with another” (3 Nephi 11:29).
4. We are accountable for our words.
- “In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise” (Proverbs 10:19).
- “Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few” (Ecclesiastes 5:2).
Book of Mormon connections: King Benjamin warned, “If ye do not watch yourselves, and your thoughts, and your words, and your deeds, … ye must perish” (Mosiah 4:30). Alma testified that at the Final Judgment, “our words will condemn us” (Alma 12:14).
Today I will manage my words carefully. I will avoid any form of dishonesty, and I will seek for words that engender peace, not conflict.
Really liked the summary of scriptures about words. I’m particularly interested in the wisdom of using fewer words, maybe not speaking immediately particularly when expressing emotion, but there also appears to be a wisdom in being quiet more and listening more.
Thanks for the comment! Yes, I find that when I’m studying Proverbs, I talk a little less and unsurprisingly, I learn a little more.