Words Proverbs: the Way of Wisdom Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it [love to talk] will eat its fruit. Prov 18.21 NASB Proverbs: the Way of Wisdom

Words Proverbs: the Way of Wisdom Review: Wisdom helps you address reality. What’s reality? 1) Life is difficult 2) It’s difficult for everyone 3) It’s more difficult for some than others. (John Maxwell) It’s your choice. You can embrace wisdom, or be like King Saul, who described his life, “I have played the fool.” (1 Sam 26.21) Proverbs: the Way of Wisdom

Words Proverbs: the Way of Wisdom Proverbs trains us in wisdom, the ability to make good choices. Next to the topic of wise/fool, words/speech is the most featured. Proverbs attracts or repels us. It should make us wince. Proverbs: the Way of Wisdom

Words Proverbs: the Way of Wisdom A person says an estimated 16,000 words/day, 58 pages worth. God is vitally interested in what we say, how we say it, how much we say and why. [Jesus]: you must give an account on judgment day for every idle word you speak. The words you say will either acquit you or condemn you. (Matt 12.36-37) Proverbs: the Way of Wisdom

Words Powerful words Proverbs: the Way of Wisdom Power to wound. the words of the wicked conceal violent intentions. (10.6b, 11b) Our inner motives influence our words. Some people make cutting remarks [pierce like swords]. (12.18a) Words, like sword thrusts, leave inner damage and scars. Proverbs: the Way of Wisdom

Words Powerful words Proverbs: the Way of Wisdom Power to destroy. With their words, the godless destroy their friends (11.9) Words can crush the spirit of another, especially a child. A troublemaker plants seeds of strife; gossip separates the best of friends. (16.28) Words can destroy a friendship. Words can lead to murder (1 Sam 22). Proverbs: the Way of Wisdom

Words Impacting words Proverbs: the Way of Wisdom Truthful words, not lies. The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in those who tell the truth.(12.22) ...a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit. (15.4b) A lie shows contempt for another, robs them of vital information, destroys relationships. Proverbs: the Way of Wisdom

Words Impacting words Proverbs: the Way of Wisdom Gentle words, not harsh ones. A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare. (15.1) Harsh words intend to hurt and harm. Gentle words can be blunt, even challenging, but kind in tone, voice and purpose. Speak the truth in love (Eph. 4.15) Proverbs: the Way of Wisdom

Words Impacting words Proverbs: the Way of Wisdom Wise words, not careless ones. The lips of the godly speak helpful [apt] words, but the mouth of the wicked speaks perverse words. (10.32) Learn to ask, “what can I say to encourage and build up?” An honest answer is like a kiss of friendship [ kiss on the lips]. (24.26) Words must express warmth and ____________. Proverbs: the Way of Wisdom

Words Impacting words Proverbs: the Way of Wisdom Few words, not many. Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut. (10.19) The more one talks – Proverbs calls them chatterers - the more possibility to hurt someone. The more one talks, the less they learn. Proverbs: the Way of Wisdom

Words Impacting words Proverbs: the Way of Wisdom Few words, not many. Those who control their tongue will have a long life; opening your mouth can ruin everything. (13.3) This is especially true of arguments, which can ruin everything. Do your best not to. Proverbs: the Way of Wisdom

Words Impacting words Proverbs: the Way of Wisdom Healing words, not hurtful ones. ...but the words of the wise bring healing. (12.18b) Become an encourager, not a referee. Process your fears and negativity with God. Express hope and help in words. Proverbs: the Way of Wisdom

Words Changing words Proverbs: the Way of Wisdom Realize that trying to change speech patterns is helpful, but rarely effective. Proverbs: the Way of Wisdom

Words Changing words Proverbs: the Way of Wisdom Recognize where words come from, the heart. [Jesus} You brood of vipers! How could evil men like you speak what is good and right? For whatever is in your heart determines what you say. (Matt 12.34b) Words come from the overflow of the heart. We need a heart change. Proverbs: the Way of Wisdom

Words Changing words Proverbs: the Way of Wisdom How to change speech? Go to Jesus, the speech therapist. Jesus will train you to speak truthfully, gently, wisely, with healing. Like he speaks. Proverbs: the Way of Wisdom

Words Changing words Proverbs: the Way of Wisdom Jesus the Trainer. [Jesus]: Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” (Matt 11.28-30) Proverbs: the Way of Wisdom

Words Changing words Proverbs: the Way of Wisdom Jesus the Trainer: In the passion and on the cross every kind of vile speech was hurled at him. Jesus spoke like we should. He’ll train you if you cooperate, if you’re teachable. Proverbs: the Way of Wisdom

Words Changing words Proverbs: the Way of Wisdom At some point in the Passion the Father went silent. There were no words for the One who was our substitute. Jesus experienced the silence of God, so you’ll will never have to. You’re his child, his Spirit will talk to you, train and guide you. He will if you have the heart of a child. Proverbs: the Way of Wisdom

Words And you? Proverbs: the Way of Wisdom Are you learning from Jesus to have truthful speech, gentle words, wise words, few words and healing words? Are you teachable? Childlike? Listening to the Spirit? Proverbs: the Way of Wisdom

Words And ROOTS? Proverbs: the Way of Wisdom Imagine ROOTS full of wise speakers, with healing words! Proverbs: the Way of Wisdom