PROVERBS: WORDS 

Proverbs 8:6-8 Hear, for I will speak noble things, and from my lips will come what is right,for my mouth will utter truth; wickedness is an abomination to my lips. All the words of my mouth are righteous; there is nothing twisted or crooked in them.

Wisdom is quiet because…. 

I know my place 

• Proverbs 12:23 A prudent man conceals knowledge, but the heart of fools proclaims folly.

I am listening 

• Proverbs 18:13 If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame. 

 I don’t know it all

• Proverbs 17:28 Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent. 

I am sinful 

• Proverbs 10:19 When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.  

• Proverbs 14:3 By the mouth of a fool comes a rod for his back 

Wise Words: I’m not Jesus. Have I been listening to Jesus?

Wisdom is careful    

• Proverbs 12:18 There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. 

• To think 
  • Proverbs 15:28 The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.

• Is this true?    
• Proverbs 12:19 Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment. 

 Is this worth saying? 

• Proverbs 10:20 – 21 The tongue of the righteous is choice silver; the heart of the wicked is of little worth. The lips of the righteous feed many, but fools die for lack of sense. 

Does this give life?  

• Proverbs 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits 

Does this give grace? 

• Proverbs 16:24 Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body. 

Does this bring joy?

• Proverbs 12:25 Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.

• Wise words: “Does this exalt Jesus in truth? Has this been filtered through the gospel to give life grace and joy?”

Wisdom calculates 

• What is said 
  • Proverbs 25:11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.  

• How much is said 
• Proverbs 18:4 The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters; the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook. 

• How it is said 
• Proverbs 15:1 A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. 

• Proverbs 25:15 With patience a ruler may be persuaded, and a soft tongue will break a bone. 

• Wise words: Is my goal to persuade others toward Jesus or repel away from Jesus?  

QUESTIONS

If our words reveal our heart, what must you do to cultivate more wisdom in your words? 

What subjects do you need to talk less about?

What would it look like for you to bring your words before Jesus before you talk? How can you remind yourself you are not Jesus before you speak? 

How would someone filter their words through the gospel before they speak?

With whom must you be more careful with your words? Who needs you to be careful to talk more about Jesus for their good?

How would the goal of persuading others toward Jesus change the way you talk to your spouse, kids, friends, co workers, and on texts or social media? 

What comfort does it give you that Jesus is God’s perfect word to you?