THE SNARE OF FOOLISH WORDS
“The mouths of fools are their undoing, and their lips are a snare to their very lives.” Proverbs 18:7 NIV
Words have the power to build or destroy, to heal or wound, to guide or mislead. Scripture warns us that foolish speech is not harmless, it carries consequences. A fool’s undoing comes not from an external enemy but from their own lips. Words spoken without wisdom or restraint become a trap, catching the speaker in their own web of destruction.
We may think careless words vanish once spoken, but they often linger, shaping perceptions, relationships, and even destinies. This is why Jesus said we will give an account for every idle word (Matthew 12:36). The mouth reveals the heart, and when the heart is not surrendered to Christ, the lips become a snare.
As followers of Jesus, our speech must reflect the wisdom and grace of God. Paul reminds us to let our words be “always with grace, seasoned with salt” (Colossians 4:6). Instead of speaking rashly, we are called to speak truth in love, to build up and not tear down.
The choice before us is clear: will our words testify of Christ’s life within us, or will they ensnare us through folly? Every word carries weight. When guided by the Spirit, our mouths can become instruments of blessing rather than a trap of destruction.
Prayer: My Father, I thank You for reminding me of the power of my words. Guard my lips from foolishness and help me to speak with wisdom and grace. May my words reflect Your truth and bring life to others. Teach me to pause before I speak and to let my heart be filled with Your Spirit, so that what flows out will glorify You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
CI.
RELATED RESOURCES
• Matthew 12:36
• Ephesians 4:29
• Proverbs 21:23
