“She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.” Proverbs 31:26 (NIV)

When I was a young teenager, I was incredibly opinionated and loved to voice my every thought. Then, at age 16, something life-altering happened to me.

I fell madly in love with Jesus, and I started to want to know God more than anything. Even more than talking.

One transformation God accomplished in me during that time is that He quieted me. As He taught me His higher ways and higher thoughts in Scripture, I realized my opinion was worth … well, the proverbial two cents. Learning to value God’s Word over my own words was a necessary but painful dying-to-self process.

At that point, for me, choosing silence was an act of obedience, and God called it good! But years later, silence became something else entirely. Instead of choosing silence to learn more about God, I started using it as a way to:

Fit in.
Get along with others.
Self-protect.
Appear righteous.

My reluctance to speak about anything difficult or controversial was motivated by fear and people-pleasing. My silence had switched from being a needed season of learning to outright disobedience. There were things I should have been speaking up about.

In Scripture, Proverbs 31:10-31 is a passage that lists the characteristics of a woman who follows God throughout her lifetime; interestingly, it includes a lesson for how godly women speak up in godly ways.

Proverbs 31:26 says, “She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.” Godly women are set apart by the way they use their words.

In this verse, God gives us two guidelines for the words we’re called to speak:

• “She speaks with wisdom …” God blesses us with the ability to develop our own unique perspectives and ideas we can share with others; He also gives us discernment to know when our personal opinions aren’t necessarily what’s needed. Our words become pleasing to God and valuable to others when they come from the heart of our Father, the Giver of all wisdom.


• “… Faithful instruction is on her tongue.” In order to battle the human tendency to spew only our own thoughts, godly women steep ourselves in the Bible, the very thoughts and words of God. Passing along His instruction will bring blessing.

For women who love God and want to use our words well, He’s given us many scriptural models of women who lived out the truths of Proverbs 31:26. Among them are Abigail, who averted a slaughter with her diplomatic speech; (1 Samuel 25) Huldah, who delivered God’s message to a king; (2 Kings 22:13-20) and Mary Magdalene, who proclaimed Jesus’ resurrection to the rest of His followers. (John 20:18)

I’m especially inspired by Esther, who saved her people with her words. She didn’t rush in with her own thoughts, nor did she stay silent out of fear. Instead, she paused and fasted for God’s direction. (Esther 4:16) She waited for just the right time to speak. (Esther 5:8) Then she didn’t stop speaking up, even though her life was in danger, until her people were fully safe. (Esther 8:3-6) Esther left behind self-protective silence and followed God, allowing Him to shape her words. In turn, He used her voice to redeem her people.

God has a purpose for our voices! He’s calling us to use words of wisdom and faithful instruction. Let’s follow the examples of godly women in Scripture and choose to be women who speak up in godly ways. We can all learn to use our words as conduits of His redemption.

Lord, You are always at work to redeem, and I want to be used by You. I give my words to You. Teach me to be a godly woman who speaks up in godly ways. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

OUR FAVORITE THINGS

Numbers: How To Wrestle Well When You’re Worn Out in the Waiting starts August 29 in the free First 5 mobile app. This study is for the girl who is doubting God is with her, longing to return to what feels familiar, feeling tempted to give up, wrestling with what she believes, or feeling weary and worn out in the waiting. Find the encouragement and comfort you need in the middle of your journey — join our new study. Order your study guide today.

Esther partnered with God to use her voice in an uncertain situation, bringing His redemption into her world. You can too! Pick up a copy of Esther: Seeing Our Invisible God in an Uncertain World, Amy Carroll’s new study co-authored with Lynn Cowell.

ENGAGE

Visit Amy’s blog today to enter a giveaway for Esther: Seeing Our Invisible God in an Uncertain World and to learn a process Esther used to become a godly woman who spoke up in godly ways.

FOR DEEPER STUDY

James 2:12, “Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom …” (NIV)

If you’ve chosen self-protective silence over speaking up in godly ways, why? Identify the reasons, and ask God to free you to use your voice when He calls you to.

When you speak, is your goal to speak up in godly ways? What step can you take today to begin to weigh your words by God’s Word?

We’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts in the comments.

© 2022 by Amy Carroll. All rights reserved.