Pro 10:32 | KingComments | STEP | “The mouth of the righteous” not only speaks wisdom, but “overflows” with it ( ). As always, when we think of “the righteous”, we think first and foremost of the Lord Jesus. He constantly and abundantly speaks wisdom. From that, others can refresh themselves. He is the Source from Whom wisdom flows ceaselessly. Very different is the case with “the perverted tongue”. This tongue “will be cut out” like a “tree that does not bear good fruits will be cut down and thrown into the fire” ( ). The man of sin, the antichrist, is the prototype of this. It also applies to all false prophets and false teachers. When the tongue is cut out, it is impossible to say one more word. As a result, he can no longer corrupt anyone with his shameful talk. “The lips of the righteous” speak pleasant things that do good to a man ( ). The righteous one knows “what is acceptable” for others to listen to; he knows how to choose his words well. The Lord Jesus has spoken what is acceptable. He spoke words of grace that people wondered at ( ). We are told to speak “such [a word] as is good for edification according to the need [of the moment], so that it will give grace to those who hear” ( ). These are acceptable words. In contrast, the wicked one lets out only perverted things. He speaks without thinking about it. What he says will bring ruin to himself and others.

‏ Proverbs 10:32

The Mouth and the Lips of the Righteous

“The mouth of the righteous” not only speaks wisdom, but “overflows” with it (Pro 10:31). As always, when we think of “the righteous”, we think first and foremost of the Lord Jesus. He constantly and abundantly speaks wisdom. From that, others can refresh themselves. He is the Source from Whom wisdom flows ceaselessly.

Very different is the case with “the perverted tongue”. This tongue “will be cut out” like a “tree that does not bear good fruits will be cut down and thrown into the fire” (Mt 3:10). The man of sin, the antichrist, is the prototype of this. It also applies to all false prophets and false teachers. When the tongue is cut out, it is impossible to say one more word. As a result, he can no longer corrupt anyone with his shameful talk.

“The lips of the righteous” speak pleasant things that do good to a man (Pro 10:32). The righteous one knows “what is acceptable” for others to listen to; he knows how to choose his words well. The Lord Jesus has spoken what is acceptable. He spoke words of grace that people wondered at (Lk 4:22). We are told to speak “such [a word] as is good for edification according to the need [of the moment], so that it will give grace to those who hear” (Eph 4:29). These are acceptable words.

In contrast, the wicked one lets out only perverted things. He speaks without thinking about it. What he says will bring ruin to himself and others.