Proverbs 18

"A fool's mouth is his ruin, and his lips are the snare of his soul" (v7). In ancient societies where paper documents were scarce, a verbal promise was binding. Honest, trustworthy speech was valuable, and a person's reputation hung on the integrity of his words. Words are no less powerful in our time; "death and life are in the power of the tongue" (v21). We can increase our understanding by restraining our own words and listening to others (v2,13,15).

"A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city" (v19). Our words can hurt or heal - with lasting consequences.