"Wisdom and Love"

Who is the man who desires life

And loves many days, that he may see good?

Keep your tongue from evil

And your lips from speaking deceit.

Turn away from evil and do good;

Seek peace and pursue it. (Psalm 34:12-14)

If anyone thinks himself to be religious [scrupulously observant of the rituals of his faith], and does not control his tongue but deludes his own heart, this person’s religion is worthless (futile, barren). (James 1:26) Do not be hasty to speak, and do not be impulsive to make a speech before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few. (Ecclesiastes 5:2)

Sin is unavoidable when there is much talk, but whoever seals his lips is wise. (Proverbs 10:19)

It is not what goes into the mouth of a man that defiles and dishonors him, but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles and dishonors him. (Matthew 5:11)

Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it and indulge it will eat its fruit and bear the consequences of their words. (Proverbs 18:21)

The heart of the wise gives insight to his mouth And increases learning to his lips.

Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, Sweet and delightful to the soul and healing to the body. (Proverbs 16:23-24)

There is one who speaks rashly like the thrusts of a sword, But the tongue of the wise brings healing. (Proverbs 12:18)

He who walks with integrity and strength of character, and works righteousness, And speaks and holds truth in his heart.

He does not slander with his tongue, Nor does evil to his neighbor, Nor takes up a reproach against his friend;

In his eyes an evil person is despised, But he honors those who fear the LORD [and obediently worship Him with awe-inspired reverence and submissive wonder]. He keeps his word even to his own disadvantage and does not change it. (Psalm 15:2-4) Love does no wrong to a neighbor [it never hurts anyone]. Therefore [unselfish] love is the fulfillment of the Law. (Romans 13:10)

For the whole Law [concerning human relationships] is fulfilled in one precept, YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF [that is, you shall have an unselfish concern for others and do things for their benefit]. (Galatians 5:13)

Do not let unwholesome [foul, profane, worthless, vulgar] words ever come out of your mouth, but only such speech as is good for building up others, according to the need and the occasion, so that it will be a blessing to those who hear [you speak]. (Ephesians 4:29)

Beloved, let us [unselfishly] love and seek the best for one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves [others] is born of God and knows God [through personal experience].

The one who does not love has not become acquainted with God [does not and never did know Him], for God is love. [He is the originator of love, and it is an enduring attribute of His nature.] (1 John 4:7-8)