"A lying tongue hates those it crushes, and a flattering mouth works ruin." PR 26: 28
The tongue is a powerful instrument, for good and evil. When it speaks the truth, it edifies. When it lies, it destroys. God considers lying, hating, crushing, flattering, and ruining to be synonyms. Good to know.
The Fool lies when the truth would serve him better. Lying is the language of Hell, and it has always been its greatest export. God knows that a lie is the fruit that comes from being connected to the hidden tap root of hate. Unless the connection is broken, the mouth of a fool can only produce the fruit of the root. The lying words can be sweetened, and softened, but the intent remains the same. Great nations and individual lives are ruined by liars.
The Wise tell the truth, even if it hurts. The words may sting, but they bring healing. The challenge remains, to always speak the truth in love. When in doubt, pray it before you say it. Prayer takes the edge off of a scalpel that may do more harm than good, if the words cut too deep. Prayer purifies the intent of the heart, and allows the tongue to be honed into gentle messenger.
Evil intent changes the very meaning of a word. It doesn't matter what comes out of your mouth, if your heart is up to no good. Parsing words does not purify them.
Meaningless phrases, strung together in an eloquent way can be used by a fool to manipulate people. Eloquence and oratory lose their power over people, when they equate moving lips with a lying tongue. Powerful phrases that come from an evil heart irritate God, even when they are prayed.
"And when you are praying, do not use meaningless repetition as the Gentiles do, for they suppose they will be heard for their many words. So do not be like them; for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him." MT 6:7-8
The Fool places power in his own eloquence to mobilize people to do what he wants done, for his glory. The Wise place confidence in prayer to do for people what only He can do, for His glory. Tired of the sound of your own voice?
TALK LESS! PRAY MORE!