The Proverbs - THE POWER OF WORDS

Discuss the importance of words and how to speak with humility, restraint, and grace.

Four Areas of Need for Divine Help in our Speech, So we pray

Help us to speak appropriate words

Help us to speak with humility

Help us to speak with restraint

Help us to speak with grace

Meeting Purpose

Discuss the importance of speaking with restraint and grace, based on wisdom from the Book of Proverbs.

Key Takeaways

- Our words reflect the condition of our hearts - we reap what we sow through speech

- Restraining our speech requires being teachable, listening more than talking

- Speaking gracious words brings life, nourishment, honesty, and encouragement to others

Topics

Speaking with Restraint

- A fool has no restraint in speaking, blurting out whatever comes to mind

- The wise carefully consider how and when to answer, often keeping silent

- Restraining speech shows self-control, a fruit of the Spirit and biblical wisdom

- Listening and reflecting before speaking allows us to receive wisdom

Ungracious Speech

- Lying, slander, gossip, anger, cursing, hurtful words are condemned

- Sowing discord through divisive speech is detestable to the Lord

- False witnessing damages reputations and trust

Speaking with Grace

- Gracious words are a fountain of life, nourishing and encouraging to others

- They are honest, sincere, truthful and spoken in love

- We are called to speak words that build up, not tear down

Next Steps

1. We need open ears

- Cultivate open ears to listen to God and others before speaking

2. We Need Pure Hearts

- Allow God to purify our hearts, the source of our speech

3. We need cleansed mouths

- Ask the Lord to cleanse our lips to speak gracious, life-giving words

Prayer

Lord, give us words to speak in your name that are appropriate, humble, restrained, and full of grace.