SERIES: Deep Relationships in a Digital World — Proverbs
TEXT: Proverbs 12:18, 15:1-4
MESSAGE: “The Power of Words in a Hostile World”
Solomon teaches us three ways that wisdom shapes our words. It’s by recognizing that our words can…
- De-escalate or Inflame (15:1–2)
- Reveal or Conceal (15:3)
- Heal or Hurt (15:4; 12:18)
“A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouths of fools pour out folly.” — Proverbs 15:1-2
“And among all the parts of the body, the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself.” — James 3:6
“Kindness without courage is too flimsy; courage without kindness is too brash. When we look to Jesus, his kindness and courage flow into us, enabling us to speak the truth courageously but to do so with love in our hearts” — Gavin Ortlund
“The eyes of the LORD are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good.” — Proverbs 15:3
“The Lord is disappointed and judgmental. He is frustrated with me. He is running out of patience. Eventually, He will not put up with me anymore. Surely He is upset with me or will punish me for this sin. Can His love possibly be enough to cover my constant wandering? My flesh clings too closely, and my sin will be with me forever.” — Dinah Wright
“A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.” — Proverbs 15:4
“There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” — Proverbs 12:18
“If you use your speech to hurt others, deceive others, gossip about others, or falsely flatter others, then it’s the overflow of a sinful heart. Again, Jesus told us this clearly in Matthew 12:34 — “The mouth speaks from the overflow of the heart.” Jesus says that our words will justify or condemn us on judgment day. That’s not because good works — or good speech in this case — gets us to heaven. It is because your speech reveals whether or not Jesus has changed your heart!” — Daniel & Jonathan Akin
Takeaways: How do we pursue wisdom with our words? Recognizing that..
- Your Words And Your Tone Matter
- What You Take In Matters
- God’s Word Matters
“It’s all over! I am doomed, for I am a sinful man. I have filthy lips, and I live among a people with filthy lips. Yet I have seen the King, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.” — Isaiah 6:5 (NLT)