Proverbs 25:23

The book of Proverbs gives us insights into so many different areas of life. The book gives us instruction on how to live our lives for God. Here is a proverb that gives us insight about speaking truth:

Proverbs 25:23 (NASBStr)

The north wind brings forth rain,

And a backbiting tongue, an angry countenance.

Proverbs 25:23 (ESV)

The north wind brings forth rain,

and a backbiting tongue, angry looks.

 Proverbs 25:23 (NIV1984)

As a north wind brings rain,

so a sly tongue brings angry looks.

Some would argue that the north wind does not bring forth rain.   But, that is Solomon's point.  Just like a north wind is being deceptive when it brings forth rain, so, too, is the one who slanders with his/her tongue; or uses it in a sly and deceptive manner.  It will, in time bring forth, in a very deceptive manner, the anger of others.    When we use our tongues in a sly way, we produce anger.  Being deceptive with our tongues allows us to feign innocence.  However, it will produce anger.   When we are not true and faithful with our words we allow the spirit of anger to mount up and come into the situation.   Truth sets us free from this type of thing.    However, the deceptive tongue avoids and hides truth.  It stretches truth out of shape.  That produces anger in the hearts of others.   Avoid the sly tongue; whether in your own life or in the lives of those who are talking to you.   It will produce anger.  Like the north wind, it may not mean to invoke anger, but it will.