I was at Costco yesterday and came across a new brand of protein bars for sale. Protein bars were not on my list … but, as is the case at Costco, they wound up in my cart and wound up coming home with me. (Ha!)
They are actually quite tasty. And I was particularly humored by the slogan on the back of the wrapper: “For smart mouths.”
Obviously a “smart mouth” would not choose to snack on Doritos (as I am currently sitting here doing at the moment). NO. A “smart mouth” would recognize the nutritional superiority of the gluten-free, vegan protein bars and choose to snack on the protein bar instead.
The slogan got me pondering what else a “smart mouth” would do.
A “smart mouth” would not slander someone else. Instead, a “smart mouth” would choose to hold the tongue and not reply.
“A person who lacks judgment derides their neighbor, but a person of understanding holds their tongue.” – Proverbs 11:12
“With their mouth, the godless destroys their neighbor.” – Proverbs 11:9
“The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil.” – Proverbs 15:28
A “smart mouth” would let an insult go.
“A fool shows their annoyance at once, but a prudent person overlooks an insult.” – Proverbs 12:16
“When words are many, sin is not absent, but the person who holds their tongue is wise.” – Proverbs 10:19
“A person of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a person of understanding is even-tempered.” – Proverbs 17:27
A “smart mouth” would only say what is truthful.
“The LORD detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are truthful.” – Proverbs 12:22
“Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.” – Proverbs 12:19
A “smart mouth” would encourage and build others up.
“The lips of the righteous nourish many.” – Proverbs 10:21
“An anxious heart weighs a person down, but a kind word cheers them up.” – Proverbs 12:25
“Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” – Proverbs 16:24
“The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.” – Proverbs 15:4
A “smart mouth” would not speak rashly or recklessly.
“Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” – Proverbs 12:18
“The person who guards their lips guards their life, but the one who speaks rashly will come to ruin.” – Proverbs 13:3
“The person who answers before listening – that is their folly and their shame.” – Proverbs 18:13
A “smart mouth” would calm quarrels.
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” – Proverbs 15:1
“Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.” – Proverbs 17:14
“Like one who seizes a dog by the ears is a passer-by who meddles in a quarrel not their own.” – Proverbs 26:17
A “smart mouth” would recognize the incredible power of words.
“The tongue has the power of life and death.” – Proverbs 18:21
So how are we doing? Do we have “smart mouths” which would choose the gluten-free, vegan protein bar over the Doritos?
How about “smart mouths” when it comes to our words and what we say?
