Foolish words can make a problem explode. A careless comment, a repeated excuse, a piece of gossip, an unnecessary argument, or flattering speech with selfish motives can do great harm to relationships and to our own souls. We have all seen a small verbal spark turn into a much larger fire in a marriage, family, workplace, friendship, or church. We also know that words can either intensify conflict or help bring peace, either conceal deceit or bring truth into the light. Proverbs 26 exposes the destructive power of foolish speech and calls us to something better. It provides four ways to speak wisdom into the situations we face.