“Listen, for I will speak of excellent things, and from the opening of my lips will come right things” (Proverbs 8:6). This section of scripture is speaking of wisdom and as the text develops, it shows us how we should only speak good things. Proverbs 8:7 shows us that a righteous mouth speaks truth and not wickedness and abomination. Proverbs 8:8 proclaims, “All the words of my mouth are with righteousness; nothing crooked or perverse is in them.” According to the text, only good things should come out of our mouths. In Proverbs 12:19 the scripture states, “The truthful lip shall be established forever, But a lying tongue is but for a moment.” So the question becomes, how can we strive to eliminate wickedness, lies, gossip, and crooked or perverse words from leaving our mouths?
One surefire way for us to maintain purity in our minds and speech is to surround ourselves with like minded people. When I was growing up I was told, “you are who you hang out with”. I remember thinking, where do people get that from? Well, they get it from the Bible. Proverbs 13:20 says, “He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed.” The Bible is not only the source of truth, but also the source for common sense. Let’s think about this logically. If you hang out with people who ride motorcycles, chances are you are going to want to do the same. If you hang out with people who like to be studious, chances are you are going to become the same. If you hang out with people who curse, lie, and gossip, chances are you are going to become like them. If you hang out with faithful Christians, chances are you will strive to be as they are. If we are not careful in choosing who we become close friends with, we will most likely be influenced by them and slowly drift away from our Christianity. In that case, we will be in danger of no longer speaking righteous things before all men. Instead we will speak perverse and crooked things.
So the question I ask you is this: are you speaking truthful things being established forever, or have you been caught up with your peers speaking wicked things which will end in your destruction? As Christians, we should be aware of what we say, how we say it, and the friendships that we make. We must let only good things leave our lips, and we must be good examples to others. This will enable us to showcase our Christianity and Christ whom we represent. What great wisdom God has left to guide us in the way of righteousness.
“Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.” Awake to righteousness, and do not sin; for some do not have the knowledge of God. I speak this to your shame.” 1 Corinthians 15:33-34