#1337. Proverbs 10:18-21 – The Power of Words (26/8/25)
- Matt Beaney
- 3 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Welcome to this Come to Jesus Daily Devotional where we are continuing in our Wisdom for Life series from Proverbs.
Today, in Proverbs 10:18-21, we reflect on the incredible power of words — to divide or to heal, to spread foolishness or to share wisdom.
To watch this devotional, please select the link below.
i. Deal honestly in your relationships
‘Whoever conceals hatred with lying lips and spreads slander is a fool.’ (Proverbs 10:18)
This proverb highlights two foolish ways of handling hatred, both rooted in dishonesty. Firstly, it warns against being ‘two-faced’ — pretending friendship while harbouring hatred inside. Secondly, it condemns spreading slander about others. Neither course helps anyone: the person who may have wronged us remains unaware and uncorrected, while those who hear our slander are dragged into negativity, not wisdom. It’s like someone who, instead of putting out a fire, recklessly scatters the flames. In contrast, the wise deal openly, honestly, and helpfully with those they’re in conflict with, aiming for peace and restoration rather than fuelling division.
ii. Control your mouth, don’t let it control you
‘Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues.’ (Proverbs 10:19)
I think a better translation is:
‘When words are many, transgression is not lacking’ (ESV)
Here, we are warned that if we talk too much, we will fall into sin. Anyone who lacks self-control with their words will, inevitably, say things that they regret. This is why James warns us to control how we speak or pay the consequences:
‘When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.’ (James 3:3-5)
We must take care — our words can quickly get away from us if we don’t keep them in check.
iii. A good heart speaks valuable words
‘The tongue of the righteous is choice silver, but the heart of the wicked is of little value.’ (Proverbs 10:20)
Building on the earlier verses, this proverb shows that the righteous speak words of great worth. Having grown in godly wisdom, they know when to speak and what to say. Notice how ‘the tongue’ (our words) reflects ‘the heart’ (our inner condition). It’s the state of our heart — righteous or wicked — that shapes what comes out of our mouths.
Jesus teaches this plainly:
‘For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him.’ (Matthew 12:34-35)
If we want words like choice silver, we must allow God’s Spirit to fill and transform our hearts.
iv. Words can nourish if we are wise
‘The lips of the righteous nourish many, but fools die for lack of sense.’ (Proverbs 10:21)
Finally, continuing this theme of wise speech, we learn that the words of the righteous nourish many. Surely this is a goal worth pursuing. Instead of spreading the fire of slander (as in v.18) or speaking without self-control (v.19), we want our speech to be valuable like choice silver (v.20) — bringing encouragement, wisdom, and peace to those around us.
But to do this, we must first recognise our vulnerability to sinful attitudes and careless words. Speech holds great power — to burn down a house or to build it up. Those who understand the power God has entrusted to us in our words will prayerfully seek to store up what is good and speak what is life-giving.
Let’s pray together:
“Father, in this world of challenging circumstances and relationships, help me to use my words to bring wisdom, healing, and peace — not slander and division. Shape my heart so that my words will nourish many and glorify You. Amen.”
Community Group Notes
1. Notices
It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News.
2. Icebreaker
How has God been speaking to you from His Word this week, and how has this helped you?
3. Worship together
Let’s begin our time together by lifting our eyes and hearts to worship our great God. Perhaps you have readings and songs that you would like to use together. Let’s be open to the gifts that the Spirit wants to give in order to encourage one another.
4. Study and pray together
Balanced Time Allocation - Please ensure a balanced focus on discussion, SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite), and prayer so that each section is meaningful and fruitful.
Week #12: Proverbs 10:15-10:32. The wise are fruitful.
1. What themes stand out in this week’s section? Identify key ideas and repeated patterns. What is the focus of this section?
2. What promises does God offer, and what warnings does He give? Look for specific encouragements, blessings, or cautions in the text.
3. How does this speak into our lives today? What are the practical ways we could live this out — individually, in our families, in our community?
4. How is God calling you to respond? Consider what this means for your heart, your choices, and your direction.
5. SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite)
How might the wisdom in this week's section of Proverbs help us to be a light for Jesus?
Have you had any recent opportunities to Serve, Invest in, or Invite someone toward Jesus? Let’s encourage one another by sharing testimonies of God at work through us.
6. Let’s pray together:
Let’s pray for one another based on our study, and bring before God any other needs or requests for prayer.
Pray for one another's SIV opportunities and boldness in following the Spirit's promptings.
Pray specifically for the 'people of peace' in our lives—asking God to open hearts and provide opportunities to speak life and truth.
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