I read this chapter two mornings ago…and only now am getting to this part!

Two trains of thought impress(ed) me: pride and properly-seasoned speech.

“Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished” (5).

abomination — hateful, despicable, utterly gross; to be rejected, opposed, and cast away.

Everyone that is proud. No exceptions. Wow! 😯

Need more divine perspective on pride?

“Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall” (18).

“Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud” (19).

Why would anyone want pride?!

And why would anyone relish tasteless speech? Or worse yet, bad-tasting speech?

“The wise in heart shall be called prudent: and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning” (21).

“Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones” (24).

Oh, to have that kind of speech!! With that kind of effect on others and on myself!

Where, oh where, does it come from?! And is it available to me (of all people)?

“The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD” (1).

Oh, yes! Woo hoo! Thank you!

from Proverbs 16:24