God uses the mouth of the righteous to bring deliverance (v. 6), but the mouth of the wicked brings bondage (v. 13). Right words must begin with right thoughts (v. 5) and a love for learning (v. 1), and this is where the ungodly person fails.
Right words bring good to others (Prov. 10:21) and also to those who speak them (v. 14; Prov. 13:2). With your words, you can help to heal those who have been hurt (v. 18) and who have suffered because of lies (vv. 19–22). You can bring joy to those who are depressed and worried (v. 25).
Be alert today for God-given opportunities to speak healing words to hurting people.
Liars
Because He is a God of truth, the Lord hates a lying tongue (Prov. 6:17; 12:22). With lies, people cover their true feelings (Prov. 10:18) and promote hypocrisy (Prov. 26:23–26). Liars do not last (Prov. 12:19), but lies can go on for years and do great damage. Wealth gained by lies is fleeting (Prov. 21:6), and all liars will one day be punished (Prov. 19:5, 9). If God hates lies, we must hate them, too (Prov. 13:5). Ponder Ephesians 4:17–32.
