Communication is essential in every person’s life! Effective communication is another subject, however. As we strive to increase our communication skills, it would be valuable to search scripture to see what God says about how we communicate with others. Here is a topical approach from Proverbs on communication.

The Power of Our Words

• Proverbs 11:9
• Proverbs 12:18
• Proverbs 15:4
• Proverbs 18:8, 21
• Proverbs 25:11
• Proverbs 26:22
• “The words of the reckless pierce like swords” (12:18 NIV)

The Source of Our Words

• Proverbs 4:20-23
• Proverbs 6:12, 14, 18
• Proverbs 15:28
• Proverbs 16:2, 23
• “The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil” (15:38 NIV)

Listening

• Proverbs 15:31
• Proverbs 18:13, 15
• Proverbs 19:20
• Proverbs 21:28
• “Whoever heeds life-giving correction will be at home among the wise” (15:31 NIV)

Think Before You Speak

• Proverbs 12:18
• Proverbs 14:29
• Proverbs 15:28
• Proverbs 16:32
• Proverbs 21:23
• Proverbs 26:4 
• Proverbs 29:20
• “Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you yourself will be just like him” (12:17 NIV)

Don’t Talk Too Much

• Proverbs 10:19
• Proverbs 11:12, 13
• Proverbs 13:3
• Proverbs 17:27, 28
• Proverbs 18:2  
• Proverbs 20:19 
• Proverbs 21:23
• “The one who has knowledge uses words of restraint and whoever has understanding is even tempered” (17:27 NIV)

Avoid Nagging

• Proverbs 17:9 
• Proverbs 21:9
• “Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife” (21:9 NIV)

Use a Calm, Soft Answer

• Proverbs 15:1, 4 
• Proverbs 16:1
• Proverbs 25:15
• “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (15:1 NIV)

Speak the Truth

• Proverbs 12:17, 22
• Proverbs 16:13
• Proverbs 19:5
• Proverbs 26:18, 19
• Proverbs 26:22
• Proverbs 28:23
• Proverbs 29:5
• “An honest witness tells the truth, but a false witness tells lies” (12:17 NIV)

Avoid Quarrels

• Proverbs 17:14
• Proverbs 20:3
• Proverbs 26:21
• “Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting, with strife” (17:1 NIV)