Proverbs 16:1 The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD.
‘The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD.’ God guides the heart of the righteous and inspires the words of their mouth. However, this does not mean that everything a person says is automatically from God, as some wrongly assume. We are still responsible to guard our tongues and ensure that our speech is honourable, uplifting, and pleasing to the Lord.
Scripture gives us clear instructions on how to speak: “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth,” but only what is good for building others up, that it may give grace to those who hear (Eph. 4:29). We must not be deceived, bad company and harmful conversations can corrupt good morals (1Cor. 15:33). We are also warned to put away falsehood and speak the truth to one another (Eph. 4:25), for satan is the father of lies (John 8:44; 2Thess. 2:11).
In all things, our speech should reflect the character of Christ – truthful, edifying, and full of grace.
Living the Word 