"Wielding Wise Words" Proverbs 18:21
I. Taming the tongue (introduction)
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.” Proverbs 18:21
“Words are powerful. As the Scriptures indicate, they can create and destroy, build and burn down, save and condemn. The triune God created and upholds us by His Word, redeems us by re-narrating our lives by His gospel, and directs us by His commands so that our words become more conformed to His Word. These many facets of verbal communication – both divine and human – are displayed in one rich and enriching jewel. Faith and practice are wonderfully integrated in this collection of godly wisdom." Michael Horton
“The intent is to get wisdom and commit our lives to wise godly living out of a reverent affection for the Lord. It will be reflected in our speech.”
•Power of words
•Words at their best
•Cultivating constructive words
II. The power of words
A. Blessing and cursing
“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.” Ephesians 4:29
“…from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.” Ephesians 4:16
Wrong Use of Words: lying, slandering, gossiping, constant talking, false witnessing, mocking, Harsh talking (perverse, reckless, harsh, evil, sly words), boasting, quarreling, deceiving, flattering, ignorant or foolish words
B. Limitation of words
“In all toil there is profit, but mere talk tends only to poverty.” Proverbs 14:23
III. Offering the best words
A. Honest
B. Few
C. Composed
D. Apt
E. Help and encourage
F. No words
IV. Cultivating constructive words
A. Title
B. Purpose and benefits
C. Starting point
V. Committed to the core
