Proverbs 20:15 There is gold, and a multitude of rubies: but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel. It is very difficult to control the noble faculty of speech, but it may be controlled. You may bridle it. I. THE POWER OF SPEECH IS A GREAT ENDOWMENT. One of the essential distinctions between us and the mere animal. Expression is thus given to our power of thinking, which is another great endowment. The tongue is the heart's interpreter. Used as it may and ought to be, its influence is luminous as the light and fragrant as the rose. But what mischief it may work! II. WE HAVE GREAT RESPONSIBILITY IN THE MATTER OF OUR SPEAKING. All our endowments involve an accountability proportionate to their magnitude and importance, and speech is no exception. The impression seems common that our words are of little importance, and that while actions must be accounted for, speaking is but a voice, and will not be recorded, or appear again to confront us. Every serious person must be sensible how heavily the burden of sins of speech presses on him. III. GOD HAS AFFORDED FULNESS OF INSTRUCTION IN REGARD TO OUR BEARING OF THIS RESPONSIBILITY. The instruction is, for the most part, general in its nature. 1. Truth. Departure from truth is specially condemned. Untruth includes exaggerated statements. 2. Sincerity. Heart and lips must never be at variance. 3. Purity. This excludes levity in speaking of holy things. 4. Love. This will induce to active good. IV. SPEECH IS CAPABLE OF CONTROL. How is it to be bridled? 1. By right thinking. 2. By watchfulness. 3. By correct habits. 4. By prayer.He that seemeth to be religious and bridleth not his tongue, that man's religion is vain. (H. Wilkes, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: There is gold, and a multitude of rubies: but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.WEB: There is gold and abundance of rubies; but the lips of knowledge are a rare jewel. |
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