When one considers what an enormous task it is for sinners to be changed into the image of Christ, one might wonder how the speech of Christ’s shepherds can be given such prominence. Yet we should never underestimate the power of the tongue. The book of Proverbs is full of reminders about the power of our words:
Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing (Proverbs 12:18).
The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit (Proverbs 18:21).
A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver (Proverbs 25:11).
Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone (Proverbs 25:15).
He who rebukes a man will in the end gain more favour than he who has a flattering tongue (Proverbs 28:23).
11 For you know how, like a father with his children,