Six Types of Tongues Part 3

A Froward Tongue

Proverbs 10.31-32: "The mouth of the just bringeth forth wisdom: but the froward tongue shall be cut out. The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable: but the mouth of the wicked speaketh frowardness."


Seldom do we hear the word froward used in modern-day speech, but in today's text that term describes an attitude of foolishness or perverseness that affects what a person says. In other words, the "froward tongue" does not concern itself with speaking that which is righteous and just. Instead, a froward person speaks foolish and perverse things that clearly reveal he is not walking in a right relationship with the Lord. Once again, it is necessary to recognize that such an attitude begins in the heart. Verse 32 of today's text says, "the mouth of the wicked speaketh frowardness." Wickedness, or unrighteousness, resides in the heart and life of the one who speaks with a froward tongue before he even utters a single word. What is our Lord's estimation of this sinful attitude and speech? Notice Proverbs 11.20 which says, "They that are of a froward heart are abomination to the LORD: but such as are upright in their way are His delight." Furthermore, Proverbs 8.12 tells us that God hates "pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth."

A froward individual walks in darkness (Proverbs 2.12, 13). He is divisive and mischievous (Prov. 6.12-14) and sows strife through his words and actions (Prov. 16-28). As believers, we are to guard our tongues and always act and speak in a way that reveals our love for God, our regard for truth and righteousness and our concern for our fellow believers in Christ. To speak that which the Lord deems "foolishness" or "perverseness" not only causes us to lose our testimony before others but also reveals that our hearts have wandered from a right relationship with our Lord.


Country Mama

P.S. Sorry it has taken a few days to get back to this, but everyone at our house has been ill this last week. I'm just now getting around to playing "catch-up".