Pastor Rob Wheeler

July 18, 2010

Words of Wisdom about Our Words

Various Passages from Proverbs

I. We should bring good to others by what we say

A. We should build others up

1. Our words should refresh those around us

Prov 10:11 The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked. NIV

Prov 15:4 The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit. NIV

2. Our words should rescue the afflicted

Prov 12:6 The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood, but the speech of the upright rescues them.

3. Our words should resolve disputes – not escalate them

Prov 15:1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. 2 The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly. NIV

B. We should benefit others with our words

1. Our words should reenergize those in need

Prov 12:25 An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up. NIV

Prov 16:24 Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. NIV

Prov 25:11 A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver. NIV

2. Our words should remind people of God’s truth

Prov 16:21 The wise in heart are called discerning, and pleasant words promote instruction. NIV

Prov 16:23 A wise man's heart guides his mouth, and his lips promote instruction. NIV

II. We should be careful to manage our mouths

A. We should beware of saying the wrong thing

1. We should resist talking too much

Prov 10:19 When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise. NIV

Prov 11:12 A man who lacks judgment derides his neighbor, but a man of understanding holds his tongue. NIV

2. We should refrain from praising self

Prov 27:2 Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; someone else, and not your own lips.

3. We should remember the hurt that our words can cause

Prov 12:18 Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

4. We should restrain our words and guard them well

Prov 13:3 He who guards his lips guards his life, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin. NIV

Prov 15:28 The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil.

Prov 17:27 A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered. 28 Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue.

B. We should base what we say on God’s Word

1. We should rely on God’s wisdom to guide our words

Prov 10:31 The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, but a perverse tongue will be cut out. 32 The lips of the righteous know what is fitting, but the mouth of the wicked only what is perverse. NIV

2. We should take refuge in Him

Prov 30:5 "Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. 6 Do not add to his words, or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar. NIV

III. The benefits of speaking wisely

A. There is blessing for us in many ways

Prov 12:14 From the fruit of his lips a man is filled with good things as surely as the work of his hands rewards him. NIV

Prov 12:19 Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment. NIV

Prov 13:2 From the fruit of his lips a man enjoys good things, but the unfaithful have a craving for violence.

Prov 15:23 A man finds joy in giving an apt reply — and how good is a timely word! NIV

B. We bypass a load of trouble

Prov 14:3 A fool's talk brings a rod to his back, but the lips of the wise protect them. NIV

Prov 21:23 He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity. NIV

C. We become known as a rare jewel of great value

Prov 20:15 Gold there is, and rubies in abundance, but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel.