Scripture for Today: Ecclesiastes 10:12 “Words from the mouth of the wise are gracious, but fools are consumed by their own lips.”

When I hear the term, “Hot Lips’ I think of the character, Margaret, on the television show MASH. But in fact, Hot Lips is the name of this two-lipped tubular flower. It can be bright red, white, or a combination of the two. This perennial loves the sun and is drought resistant, needing little water. It can grow quickly and give the yard a cottage garden look. Their nectar is irresistible to hummingbirds and butterflies and the flowers are edible to humans.

Today’s verse is one of many in Scripture that teach regarding our lips and what they reveal about us. This verse was written by King Solomon, known for his God-given wisdom. A wise person and a fool are distinguishable from one another by what comes out of their mouths. The words from a wise person are gracious and win him favor. But what comes from the lips of a fool destroys him. He starts out speaking foolishness but as he keeps babbling, his words become wicked madness.

In our image-conscious culture I am often surprised by classy well-dressed people who destroy that perfect picture by what comes out of their mouths. But I know I can sound the same way. My words are not always gracious, especially when responding to hurt or injustice. I can look the fool when I jump to a wrong conclusion and I react instead of thoughtfully responding. Speaking like a fool comes easy. It is a much more difficult challenge to speak wise gracious words. Thankfully, God offers His wisdom when I ask Him (James 1:5). And the control of my tongue can come through His Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23).

Lord, make my words gracious today!