Proverbs - Choosing One or the Other

Proverbs 12:18-21

There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword:

but the tongue of the wise is health.

               The lip of truth shall be established for ever:

but a lying tongue is but for a moment.

Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil:

but to the counsellors of peace is joy.

There shall no evil happen to the just:

but the wicked shall be filled with mischief.

These are contrasting proverbs.  They show the differences of two different ways of living.  These are mutually exclusive attributes.  These are dealing with the tongue, truth, deceit and being just.  So much of how we live is decided upon mutually exclusive responses.  If we are tearing down, we are NOT building up.  If we are lying or twisting the truth, we are NOT walking in truth.  If we are being wicked we are NOT being just.  If we are walking in the Spirit we are NOT fulfilling the lusts of the flesh. 

Choose ye this day whom ye shall serve.

If we want healthy relationships our tongues, what we say, will have much to do with this.  If we speak wise words there will be healthy communication that is growing and functioning in the best way possible.  Whenever our words pierce or wound, we are not using the tongue of the wise.  A foolish woman tears down her own house.  A cutting word will produce sickly relationships that require constant attention and infect all those who are around them.  Do you want your marriage to be healthy?  Do you want your communication with your children to be full of life and health?  Do you want your friendships to be thriving and functioning at their best?  Go with the tongue of wisdom and forsake piercing words.  The tongue of the wise is health.