Because they are informed first – 10:14 Wise men store up knowledge (informed speech), But with the mouth of the foolish, ruin is at hand. 16: 23 The heart of the wise instructs his mouth And adds persuasiveness to his lips.
- Because they are carefully refined - 10:20 The tongue of the righteous is as choice silver (refined, precious), The heart of the wicked is worth little. 15: 28 The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, But the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.
- Because they encourage – 10:21 The lips of the righteous feed many (in the restorative sense), But fools die for lack of understanding. 15:30 Bright eyes gladden the heart; Good news puts fat on the bones. 16:24 Pleasant words are a honeycomb, Sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. 25:11 Like apples of gold in settings of silver Is a word spoken in right circumstances.
- Because they defend the foolish – 14: 3 In the mouth of the foolish is a rod for his back, But the lips of the wise will protect them.
- Because they can soothe tensions – 15: 1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger. 15:4 A soothing (marpe, from rophe: healing) tongue is a tree of life, But perversion (v’selef: crooked) in it crushes the spirit. 25: 15 By forbearance a ruler may be persuaded, And a soft tongue breaks the bone.
- Because they can share valuable truths - 15:2 The tongue of the wise makes knowledge acceptable, But the mouth of fools spouts folly. 15: 23 A man has joy in an apt answer, And how delightful is a timely word!
- Because they can help him earn a living – 18:20 With the fruit of a man’s mouth his stomach will be satisfied; He will be satisfied with the product of his lips.
- Because they can pray – 15:29 The LORD is far from the wicked, But He hears the prayer of the righteous.
