When speaking with intelligence and wisdom

“Words from the mouth of the wise are gracious, but fools are consumed by their own lips.” (Eccles.10:12 NIV)

A good man speaks from good things stored up in his heart 

“A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.” (Luke 6:45 NIV)

Think before you speak 

“Intelligent people think before they speak; what they say is then more persuasive.” (Prov. 16:23 GNT)

“The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked blurts out evil.” (Prov. 15:28 BSB)

Speak to benefit those who listen 

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” (Eph. 4:29 NIV)

Therefore…

“Those who guard their lips preserve their lives, but those who speak rashly will come to ruin.” (Prov. 13:3 NIV)

“A person finds joy in giving an apt reply— and how good is a timely word! (Prov. 15:23 NIV)

 Quote:

“We have all felt the brazenness of words without emotion, the hollowness, the unaccountable unpersuasiveness of eloquence behind which lies no love.” - Henry Drummond