This passage begins a whole section of proverbs attributed to Solomon (10:1-22:16). Each verse serves as an axiom or maxim often contrasting the outcome of a positive characteristic against that of a negative one. In this chapter the word righteous or righteousness stands out: there are 15 direct references and several others closely related such as integrity (v.9) and diligence (v.4).
Righteousness involves living justly and mercifully (cf Micah 6:8). It’s one of those ‘big’ words that is inexhaustive in its scope and implications on our life. In our context, as the Fountain of Life, it is worth pausing and allowing our gaze to rest upon v.11: ‘the mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life’. This surely has to be a challenge for us to pick up. It isn’t just about avoiding negative speech – about which the writer has much to say – it’s about controlling our ‘tongue’ in a way that only allows life-building words to come out of our mouth.
Jesus memorably said: ‘What goes into a man’s mouth does not make him unclean, but what comes out of his mouth’ (Matt 15:11). James has much to say about the negative power of the tongue (e.g. Jas 1:26). How many inappropriate ways of speaking can you come up with? Here, we have gossip, slander, the danger of many words – you’ve heard of the expression ‘digging a hole for yourself’, unwise words, unkind words. We could add swearing, exaggerating, complaining, grumbling, moaning, belittling, sarcasm, discouragement, condemning, boasting, and many others to the list.
The tongue has the power to light a forest fire or to steer a ship. It may be small but it wields the power of a sword. James calls us to tame the tongue except that he says that no man can (Jas 3:8). We can train the tongue though to ‘walk’ a righteous way. We can think before we speak: is it true, helpful, inspirational, necessary and kind. Is it necessary and is it timely? This passage reminds us that God is listening to our every word and Jesus reminds us that our words will be weighed in heaven. (Matt 12:36).
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In Colossians 4:6 Paul suggests that we season our conversation with salt. Salt brings out the flavour, stops the rot and produces life. Does your tongue need seasoning?