Affirming that God has placed his own Word in us, received by faith, and knowing that pure speech comes from God alone (see post: “Wise Tongue”), not of us, we can now fruitfully explore parameters for wise speech in Proverbs.
The following is intended as a representative list, not an exhaustive taxonomy.
Wise words are true; they provide a firm foundation:
12:19 Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment.
Wise words are reflective, taking time for study and consideration.
15:28 The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.
Wise words are gentle and peaceable; tone matters.
15:1 A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
Wise words are patient.
12:16 The vexation of a fool is known at once, but the prudent ignores an insult.
Wise words are pure.
15:4 A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.
Wise words are timely. Saying what is good and right is not enough; your timing matters.
15:23 To make an apt answer is a joy to a man, and a word in season, how good it is!
25:11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.
27:14 Whoever blesses his neighbor with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, will be counted as cursing.
Wise words are trustworthy to keep confidence; by keeping confidence we protect others from gossip and slander.
17:9 Whoever covers an offense seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates close friends.
Yet, wise words also keep others accountable; the wise use words to reprove when needed.
25:12 Like a gold ring or an ornament of gold is a wise reprover to a listening ear.
27:5-6 Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy.
Wise words heal; they serve as a balm against wicked and destructive speech.
12:18 There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
Wise words are few; silence makes room for listening; we should not speak at every opportunity:
10:19 When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.
17:27-28 Whoever restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding. Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent.
The wise listen first; they lead with ears, not with tongue.
18:2 A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion.
18:13 If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame.
The wise confess sin; by confession fools may become wise and the wise remain so.
28:13 Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.
The wise are prayerful; godly speech arises from ongoing conversation with God.
15:7-8 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, but the prayer of the upright is acceptable to him.
Critically, the wise understand words are not enough; they always walk their talk.
14:23 In all toil there is profit, but mere talk tends only to poverty.
26:7 Like a lame man’s legs, which hang useless, is a proverb in the mouth of fools.
Lastly, wise words submit to God; they have no confidence in themselves.
21:30 No wisdom, no understanding, no counsel can avail against the LORD.
Speaking Truth in Babel 