What we say probably affects more people than any other action we take. It is not surprising, then, to find that Proverbs gives special attention to words and how they are used. Four common speech patterns are described in Proverbs. The first two should be copied; the last two should be avoided.
Those with this speech pattern think before speaking, know when silence is best, and give wise advice.
10:19; 11:12, 13; 12:16; 13:3; 15:1, 4, 28; 16:23; 17:14, 27, 28; 21:23; 24:26
Those with this speech pattern speak truthfully while seeking to encourage.
10:32; 12:18, 25; 15:23; 16:24; 25:15; 27:9
Those with this speech pattern are filled with wrong motives, gossip, slander, and a desire to twist truth.
6:12-14; 8:13; 16:28; 18:8; 25:18; 26:20-28
Those with this speech pattern are filled with lies, curses, quick-tempered words—which can lead to rebellion and destruction.
10:18, 32; 11:9; 12:16, 18; 15:4; 17:9, 14, 19; 20:19; 25:23
Other verses about our speech include 10:11, 20, 31; 12:6, 17-19; 13:2; 14:3; 19:5, 28; 25:11; 27:2, 5, 14, 17; 29:9.