What we Say Matters (Proverbs 15:4)

Proverbs 15:4
A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.

The fruit of the Tree of Life in Lehi's is the pure love of Christ and eternal life. Can the same be said about the fruit of our tongue? Do our words lift up those around us in charity? Do they mourn with those who mourn and comfort those who stand in need of comfort? Do our words lead to eternal life because "we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins" (2 Nephi 25:26)?

Remember that the Tree of Life in Lehi's vision was surrounded by other, less savory, obstacles including the unclean waters, the mist of darkness, and the great and spacious building.

Gossip, contention, cruel words, taking the Lord's name in vain, speaking ill of the Lord's anointed, crude jokes and language, and speaking lightly of sacred things are all examples of a preferred tongue. The standard definition of "breach" means two things - 1) a failure to obey a law or rule, and 2) a break in a physical barrier. "Breach in the spirit" can then represent either breaking the law of the spirit, and thus not receiving the blessings predicated by that law. Or causing a rift, a physical break between us and the Spirit, leaving us without the companionship of the Holy Ghost. And of course, it also tears our own spirit.

One of the Hymns related to this week's reading is Let us Oft Speak Kind Words to Each a Other.

Christ is the ultimate example of one who speaks words of life. As we consciously evaluate our thoughts before they become words, and think to ourselves "would my Savior say this? Would He want me to say it?", we will gain spiritual strength each time we say something wholesome and refrain from saying something we should not. Bad habits can be broken, and the language of the tongue and mind will be healed as we strive to be more like Christ.