The good man consciously avoids words that might hurt or offend, because he realizes something of the suffering that is cause by words spoken carelessly or thoughtlessly as well as by malicious or mischievous words. Through the centuries this consideration has been part of the general fund of common sense. Recent studies in psychiatry reveal that the havoc wrought by the lips may, in many cases, be far greater, and the damage done much deeper, than had been suspected. Those who place themselves under the guardianship of Heaven’s angels will receive strength to avoid offending in word or deed (see COL 341, 342).

 “Speaketh” is a supplied word. We may supply “know,” as in the previous clause, or simply “is.” The bad man speaks evil as unconsciously as the good man speaks good words; for in both cases the utterances of the lips spring from the heart (see Matt. 12:34-37). But both also deliberately plan to speak in ways suited to their regenerate or unregenerate natures. The wicked man takes delight in tantalizing, and is careless of the harm he does. He uses perverse words in carrying out evil plans. How important it is, in view of these considerations, that every man who is striving for the mastery (1 Cor. 9:25) keep a close watch on his lips (1 Peter 3:10)!