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Sermon Notes

Using Wise Words

Proverbs 18:21

Introduction

  • Words carry the power of life and death. They can bring great healing and great harm.
  • We live in a wordy-world. Because of technology, our words are more visible than ever, and last longer.
  • We will be held accountable for our words.  (Mt 12:36)

Death words

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

  • Death words marginalize, they diminish others
  • Death words can happen within us.
  • Death words are LIES.

God’s words

  • The Gospel message: death words do not need to have the LAST word over us.
  • Jesus’ words over us: life, hope, for our good.
  • To the extent you embrace His words over you, is the degree that you will be freed from the death words spoken over you.

How to use your words wisely

  1. Talk less, listen more

Wise men speak because they have something to say. Fools speak because they have to say something.  – Plato

Pr. 10:19 (NLT)  Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut.

  1. When you are angry, wait to speak

Pr. 29:11 (NIRV) A foolish person lets his anger run wild. But a wise person keeps himself under control.

  • Some anger is good, some anger corrodes our soul.
  • Don’t suppress it, but rather discern it.
  1. Be willing to tell the truth (even if the cost is high)

Pr. 14:25 (NIV) A truthful witness saves lives, but a false witness is deceitful.

  • The tension of truth-telling: on one hand is the voice that is suppressed. While others speak without filters, or without getting all the facts

Col 4:6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

  • Salt= speech that has an effect
  • There are times when we are called to be silent,  and there are times when we need to speak out.  Wisdom is knowing the difference and acting.
  1. Choosing the right time to speak 

Pr. 15:23 A person finds joy in giving an apt reply— and how good is a timely word!

  • Am I more interested in getting my point across than asking God – should I say this at this moment?

Reflection

Where do I need wisdom in using my words?

Pr. 25:11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver (it has value)

 

– Wise words can change everything