Great women have wise and kind speech. A virtuous woman is gracious in word and deed, and she is always admired and honored (Pr 11:16; 31:28). Her family and others praise her, and she benefits all those around her by the gentle and helpful things she says. An odious woman, the kind of woman the earth cannot stand (Pr 30:21-23), is known by foolish or critical speech (Pr 9:13; 21:19). Her husband cannot get away from her (Pr 25:24), and he cannot hide his marital shame in public due to her mouth (Pr 27:15-16). This proverb reminds women how they can enhance their reputations and contributions to those around them. But God gave it for another reason. It is an excellent prerequisite for young men to look for in finding a great woman for marriage. Young man, pay attention. Here is one of the defining marks of good and bad women – how do they talk? What is their speech like? A virtuous woman is always careful, kind, and helpful with what she says. And she seldom says anything harsh, negative, or sarcastic; she is gracious. This is not rocket science, and it usually only takes a few minutes to make a correct judgment. King Lemuel’s mother taught him how to find a great wife (Pr 31:1,10). The rule taught by this proverb is of great value for all men. Instead of looking at women, listen to them! Looking will deceive you by the temptation of their bodies and eyes (Pr 6:25; 31:30), but listening reveals character more accurately (Pr 14:7; Eccl 10:3,12-14; Matt 12:34-37). What precious wisdom! Many men have been seduced into marital hell and years of frustration and pain by marrying a body and forgetting what noise it could make every day for the rest of its life. You have seen these women and their husbands, and it should cause grief for him and anger at her. When God inspired a king’s mother to give wise advice like this for finding a queen, you should give it deep and long consideration. A great woman worth marrying speaks wisely. She does not argue or give her opinion until it is asked for. She does not respond emotionally. She does not cackle or giggle. She does not jest or poke. She does not complain or pout. She uses her mouth to spread wisdom (Pr 1:8; 6:20; 15:7; 20:15). She does talk: she feeds many by sober answers with certain words of truth (Pr 11:30; 22:17-21). She only makes a noise when it helps others. She knows the right words for any occasion (Pr 10:32; 24:26). She would never sing songs to a heavy heart (Pr 25:20). She has warnings for the unruly, comfort for the feebleminded, support for the weak, and patience toward all (I Thess 5:14). Criticism is only when necessary, and then only a pinch, and then only with grace (Col 4:6). Her words instruct others in the pure faith of the gospel and direct them upward toward God. She is cautious and only speaks after studying her answer to a question or situation (Pr 15:28; 18:13). She says only what is needed and holds the rest in reserve (Pr 29:11). Her words are appreciated, esteemed, and sought for, because they always have value. Like Abigail, she knows how to defuse even an angry and great man with wise counsel (I Sam 25:20-35). Like Priscilla, she can help convert a theologian to the truth (Ac 18:24-26). When a man marries such a woman, he has engaged the assistance of a wise counselor for himself, his children, their spouses, his grandchildren, his friends, their wives, and others. What a blessing! His children will get sound, practical, godly, and scriptural advice when needed. He knows she will hold the company line at all times. He knows that with women or others where he may be limited, she will give them the plain truth.