Proverbs is so rich in wisdom. Its principles are often applied in business, law, and medicine. My opinion is that it should be a required course for high school students. What better way to start a young person off, than them learning the wisdom given by the Creator of everything.
There is instruction, advice, and correction. There is contrast between honorable and dishonorable. The wise leader and faithful servant are celebrated, while the fool, sluggard, and mocker are not left out
One aspect of life that is repeatedly addressed is our speech. How we are to talk, what we are to say, and when we should speak.
Proverbs 21:23 NKJ
Whoever guards his mouth and tongue Keeps his soul from troubles.
Proverbs 18:21 NLT
The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.
Proverbs 17:9 NKJ
He who covers a transgression seeks love, But he who repeats a matter separates friends.
Proverbs 11:9 NKJ
The hypocrite with his mouth destroys his neighbor, But through knowledge the righteous will be delivered.
The writers of the New Testament understood this wisdom.
Ephesians 4:25 NKJ
Therefore, putting away lying, “Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,” for we are members of one another.
James 3:2 NKJ
For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body.
1 Timothy 5:13
And besides they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house, and not only idle but also gossips and busybodies, saying things which they ought not.
Ephesians 4:31 NKJ
Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice.
The Master in His earthly ministry gave us warning about gossip, slander, and vain blabbing, and lying. He called them idle words.
Matthew 12:36 NKJ
But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment.
Finally there is reward for keeping a guard over a blabbering tounge, potty mouth, or lying lips.
Psalms 15:1-3 NKJ
LORD, who may abide in Your tabernacle? Who may dwell in Your holy hill? He who walks uprightly, And works righteousness, And speaks the truth in his heart; He who does not backbite with his tongue, Nor does evil to his neighbor, Nor does he take up a reproach against his friend;
Slander:
noun
the action or crime of making a false spoken statement damaging to a person’s reputation.
verb
make false and damaging statements about someone.
Rick Ferguson 