Proverbs 6:16–19 is a guide for us to those things that our Lord finds detestable. A lying tongue the Lord hates. With the tongue, we can praise God, teach God’s Word. But with that same tongue we can tell lies that can ruin a reputation or break someone’s heart. The power of speech is one of the most extraordinary powers God has given us. The ability, to tell the truth, is one of the most powerful ways we can influence others, yet so often, we take this ability for granted.

Heidelberg Catechism Lord’s Day 40