Proverbs 12:15-22 – The negative speech patterns we must not adopt

In Proverbs 12:13-14, we concluded that our world can be framed by the words we speak. Continuing in the importance of cultivating correct speech pattern, Proverbs 12:15-22 show us how to be careful not to engage in developing destructive speech pattern. In verse 15, the teacher begins with a precursor. The attitude we adopt will determine the kind of speech pattern we will develop. The fool, a senseless person, who is wise in his own eye, will not care to consult nor seek the counsel of others, even those wiser than them. Such a person has no respect for the opinion of anyone other than himself.  He seems to think that his way is the only means to accomplish anything. Yet, there is another kind of person that this verse proposes that we should be, one who is prudent and would not discount the counsel of others, especially the wise. He is not self-deluded and does not think that his own unassisted judgement is infallible. Here are a few speech patterns we should not develop. 

In verse 16, we get the first kind of negative speech pattern we must not develop. It is speaking out in anger. A senseless person cannot control himself and he speaks out in anger immediately when he’s upset. Such a person cannot pause to check his wounded ego. He just shoots off his mouth and his unbridled tirade just rolls out uncontrollably in the heat of anger. The outburst always become fuel for deeper contention. A prudent person on the other hand has the capacity to conceal shame. He is tolerant and can bear with the insult. Aware that if he retaliates, the misunderstanding and resentment would be aggravated. Coolly he would control his passion and exercise restraint as he sets to align the misunderstanding. 

Verse 17 deals with perjury. We must see this in the context of a scene in the courtroom. The witness is expected to tell the truth. A righteous witness is one who will not engage in perjury, he just speaks the truth, bringing justice to light and helping in administering justice.  But one who gives false witness not only speaks with deceit but misleads, and leading to the miscarriage of justice. A person who perjures is perverting justice and promoting deceit.

Verse 18 deals with provocation. The speech pattern of such a person is usually inflammatory. He is thoughtless and speaks recklessly. The end result is harm and often fatal. His tongue is likened to a sharp sword. And like a sword that can bring hurt and damage severely, is a provocative tongue. On the other hand, one who knows how to control his tongue uses it to bring healing. Soothing words are like healing balm that sooth the nerve and restore a wound to wholeness.  

Verse 19 deals with deceitful speech pattern. When a person develops a pattern of truthful speech, he establishes veracity and genuineness. Truth is reliable and irrepressible and can stand the test of time. But the same cannot be said of lies. Lies will eventually be found out because they cannot stand the test of time. It’s momentary and short lived. 

Verses 20-22 suggest counsel that is evil. Devious intention always begins from the heart. A treacherous counsellor conceives evil in his heart. Whatever counsel he gives will lead to adversity, misadventure and discomfort. Whereas a peaceful counsellor finds joy as he delightfully brings joy, helping others solve their problem. The righteous will not be afraid of harm because his very nature makes him recoil from acting wickedly. Thus, he will not invite evil consequence for he will not engage in activities that warrant it. The wicked man would not be so. His action is the very opposite of the one who acts righteously.  He is attracted by evil and will be easily lured to act wickedly, despite being aware of the consequence. The truth is stated categorically in verse 22. In no uncertain term, it says, “Lying lips are an abomination to Yahweh.” God detests intensely a lying lip. He hates perversity. The opposite is equally true, God delights in those who are honest and faithful in their dealings. Remember life and death lies in the power of the tongue. Let’s rather speak words of life than words of death. Let’s speak to edify others and we shall delight our Lord.