Chapter VII: The Excellent Woman

Prov. xxxi.

IN HER CONVERSATION.

I. ‘She openeth her mouth with _wisdom_,’ verse 26.

1. No foolish talking, or jesting. Job, xv. 3. Eph. v. 4.

2. No chattering or gossip, which tends to penury. Prov. xiv. 23.
Eccles. x. 11, 14.

3. No deception. Prov. xxiv. 28; xx. 17.

II. ‘In her tongue is the law of _kindness_,’ verse 26.

1. No tale-bearing or back-biting. Prov. xxv. 23; xxvi. 22. Ps. xv.
3.

How mischievous. Prov. xxiv. 2.

2. No flattering, like wicked woman. Prov. v. 3; vi. 24. Ps. v. 9.

III. How important to bridle the tongue. Jam. i. 26.

There is often much wisdom in silence. Ps. xxxiv. 13. Prov. xvii. 28;
xxix. 11.

Let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ. Philip,
i. 27. Ps. lxxvii. 12. Prov. xv. 4. 1 Pet. iii. 1. 2 Pet. iii. 11.
Col. iii. 16.

Make this your prayer. Ps. xix. 14; cxli. 3.

Blessing promised. Ps. l. 23.

IV. Three good rules.

1. So speak to your husband and children, that should these be your
_last_ words, you would not regret them.

2. Never say anything of your neighbours you would dislike them to
overhear.

3. In all your conversation, remember that the Lord is nigh, and hears
each word.