"Sticks and stones may break my bones but words can never hurt me.”

WISDOM FOR LIFE Using words

“You have been trapped by what you said, ensnared by the words of your mouth.” Proverbs 6:2 “…. the tongue of the wise brings healing.” Proverbs 12:18 “To humans belong the plans of the heart, but from the Lord comes the proper answer of the tongue”. (Proverbs 16:1)

WISDOM FOR LIFE Using words

GOSSIP

“Whoever derides their neighbour has no sense, but the one who has understanding holds their tongue. A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret. (Proverbs 11:12&13) “The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts” (Proverbs 18:8)

LYING

“There are six things the Lord hates,  seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.” (Proverbs 6: 16-19)

“With their mouths the godless destroy their neighbours, but through knowledge the righteous escape.” (Proverbs 11:9)

BAD LANGUAGE

Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity. (Proverbs: 21:23) “Keep your mouth free of perversity; keep corrupt talk far from your lips.” (Proverbs 4:24) “The fear of the Lord is hatred of evil. Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I hate.” (Proverbs 8:13)

“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” (Eph. 4:29) “Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving.” (Eph. 5:4)

“You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain.” (Ex. 20:7)

KIND WORDS

“Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.” (Proverbs: 12:25) ”Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” (Proverbs: 16:24)

TELL THE TRUTH

“An honest witness tells the truth, but a false witness tells lies.” “Kings take pleasure in honest lips; they value the one who speaks what is right.” (Proverbs: 16:13) “An honest witness tells the truth, but a false witness tells lies.” (Proverbs: 12:17)

“Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold is the rebuke of a wise judge to a listening ear.” (Proverbs: 25:12) Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.” (Proverbs 27: 5&6)

“Whoever rebukes a person will in the end gain favour rather than one who has a flattering tongue.” (Proverbs 28:23)

SPEAK CALMLY & GENTLY

“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” (Proverbs 15:1) “A person finds joy in giving an apt reply, and how good is a timely word” (Proverbs 15:23)

JESUS USED HIS WORDS WISELY: To draw crowds To silence crowds To inspire people To love one another To love God before ourselves To love our neighbour To be honest with ourselves/others To forgive

JESUS USED HIS WORDS WISELY: “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God.” (Luke: 6:68)

Watching what you say can save you a lot of trouble. (Proverbs 21:23)

What are the most life-giving words you’ve spoken this weekend? Have you ever said anything recently that you wish you could take back? What are the most life-giving words you’ve spoken this weekend?