Choosing Words Wisely: Reflecting Christ in Our Speech

Devotional

Day 1: The Power of Gentle Words

A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. The words we choose have the power to either calm a situation or escalate it, and a gentle response can diffuse tension and promote peace in our relationships. When we pause before speaking, we allow God to guide our words so that they build others up rather than tear them down. [00:12]

Proverbs 15:1-2 (ESV)
A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouths of fools pour out folly.

Reflection: Think of a recent conversation where you felt anger rising—how could a gentle answer have changed the outcome, and how can you practice this today?

Day 2: Reflecting Christ in Our Speech

Every word we speak is an opportunity to reflect Christ’s love to those around us. Before speaking, consider whether your words will build someone up or tear them down, and whether they will point others to Jesus. Relying on the Holy Spirit helps us to choose words that honor God and demonstrate His love in a world that desperately needs it. [01:10]

Ephesians 4:29 (ESV)
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.

Reflection: Before your next conversation, pause and ask God to help your words reflect His love—what difference do you think this could make in your relationships today?

Day 3: Depending on the Spirit for Wise Words

Choosing words wisely is not a one-time decision but a moment-by-moment dependence on the Holy Spirit. We need God’s grace and guidance to help us stop and think before we speak, especially when emotions run high. By inviting the Spirit to empower our speech, we can become instruments of peace and encouragement. [01:28]

James 1:19 (ESV)
Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger.

Reflection: In what situations do you most need the Spirit’s help to pause before speaking, and how can you invite Him into those moments today?

Day 4: Growing to Become More Like Christ

Spiritual growth is a journey of becoming more like Christ, especially in how we communicate with others. As we listen to God’s Word and allow it to shape our hearts, we become more attentive to how our words can reflect His character and love. This growth happens as we remain open to God’s correction and encouragement each day. [01:47]

2 Corinthians 3:18 (ESV)
And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.

Reflection: What is one area of your speech or attitude where you sense God inviting you to grow more like Christ, and what step can you take today?

Day 5: Listening for God’s Voice in His Word

God is always speaking through His Word to those who have ears to listen and hearts willing to receive. As we read Scripture, we are invited to hear God’s guidance for our daily lives, especially in how we interact with others. Praying for a receptive heart allows us to be shaped by God’s wisdom and to respond in ways that honor Him. [02:22]

Psalm 119:18 (ESV)
Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.

Reflection: As you read God’s Word today, ask Him to speak to you—what is one thing He is showing you about your words or actions?

Sermon Summary

Proverbs 15 offers a powerful reminder about the influence of our words and the responsibility we carry in how we communicate with others. The opening verses highlight the contrast between a gentle response and a harsh word, teaching that a soft answer can diffuse anger, while hurtful words only escalate conflict. The wisdom of our speech is not just about avoiding arguments, but about intentionally choosing words that build up, encourage, and reflect the character of Christ. Every conversation becomes an opportunity to either bring peace or stir up strife, and the difference often lies in a moment’s pause and a prayerful heart.

It’s easy to underestimate the impact of what we say, but Scripture calls us to a higher standard. Before speaking, it’s important to ask: Will these words build up or tear down? Do they reflect Christ’s love and grace? This is not a one-time decision, but a continual, moment-by-moment dependence on the Holy Spirit to guide and empower us. Recognizing our own shortcomings in this area leads us to seek God’s forgiveness and grace, knowing that only through Him can we truly speak life into the lives of others.

As we journey through Proverbs, the invitation is to let God’s Word shape not just our actions, but our speech. The goal is not perfection, but growth—becoming more like Christ in how we interact with those around us. In a world filled with harshness and division, choosing words of kindness and wisdom becomes a powerful testimony of God’s love. May we be people who pause, pray, and speak with the intention of reflecting Christ in every conversation.

Key Takeaways

1. The power of a gentle response lies in its ability to de-escalate conflict and foster peace, while harsh words—literally “words of pain”—can inflict deep wounds and provoke anger. This calls for a conscious choice in every interaction to be peacemakers, using our words to heal rather than harm. The wisdom of Proverbs challenges us to consider the true impact of our speech on others. [00:30]
2. Choosing words wisely is not a passive act but an intentional discipline that requires self-examination and spiritual sensitivity. Before speaking, it’s vital to pause and ask whether our words will build up or tear down, and whether they will reflect the character of Christ to those around us. This moment of reflection can transform ordinary conversations into opportunities for grace. [00:50]
3. Dependence on the Holy Spirit is essential for cultivating Christlike speech. Our natural tendencies may lean toward impatience or harshness, but the Spirit empowers us to respond with gentleness and wisdom. This ongoing reliance is a daily, even minute-by-minute, practice that shapes our hearts and our words. [01:10]
4. Honest confession and prayer are necessary when we fall short in our speech. Acknowledging the times we have used hurtful words opens the door for God’s forgiveness and transformation. Through prayer, we invite God to help us stop and think before we speak, relying on His grace to change us from the inside out. [01:28]
5. Growth in Christlikeness is a communal journey, not just an individual pursuit. Praying for one another as we seek to let God’s Word shape our speech fosters unity and encouragement within the body of Christ. Together, we can become a people whose words consistently reflect God’s love to a world in need. [01:47]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:12] - Introduction to Proverbs 15
[00:30] - The Power of Words: Soft vs. Harsh
[00:50] - Choosing Words Wisely
[01:10] - Depending on the Spirit for Speech
[01:28] - Confession and Prayer for Our Words
[01:47] - Praying for Growth in Christlikeness
[02:06] - Closing Reflections
[02:22] - Collective Prayer
[02:39] - Reflecting Christ’s Love in Speech
[02:56] - Looking Ahead to Proverbs 16

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Proverbs 15:1-2 — "A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouths of fools pour out folly."

Observation Questions

According to Proverbs 15:1, what is the effect of a soft answer compared to a harsh word? ([00:12])
In verse 2, what is the difference between the speech of the wise and the speech of fools? ([00:30])
The sermon mentions that “harsh word” literally means “word of pain.” How does this understanding affect the way we read verse 1? ([00:30])
What does the speaker say is needed before we speak, according to their personal application? ([00:50])

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Proverbs emphasizes the power of a gentle response in de-escalating conflict? How does this reflect God’s character? ([00:12])
The sermon talks about choosing words as a “minute to minute thing.” What does this suggest about the challenges of controlling our speech? ([01:10])
How does depending on the Holy Spirit help us in our daily conversations, according to the sermon? ([01:10])
The speaker prays for forgiveness for using harsh words. Why is confession important in the process of changing how we speak? ([01:28])

Application Questions

Think of a recent conversation where your words either built someone up or tore them down. What could you have done differently to reflect Christ’s love? ([00:50])
The sermon encourages us to pause and ask, “Is what I’m about to say going to build this person up or tear them down?” How can you practically remind yourself to do this in the heat of the moment? ([00:50])
Are there certain situations or people that make it especially hard for you to respond with gentle words? What patterns do you notice, and how might you prepare differently next time? ([01:10])
The speaker mentions relying on the Holy Spirit “minute to minute.” What would it look like for you to invite the Holy Spirit into your daily conversations this week? ([01:10])
When you realize you’ve spoken harshly, what steps can you take to seek forgiveness and make things right with the other person? ([01:28])
The sermon highlights the importance of praying for one another as we grow in Christlikeness. How can your small group support each other in using words that reflect God’s love? ([01:47])
In a world filled with harshness and division, what is one specific way you can use your words to be a peacemaker this week? ([00:30])

Sermon Clips

Today we're looking at Proverbs chapter 15 what verse or verses stood out for you as you read chapter 15 how did God speak to you through his word for me he spoke to me uh through verses 1 and two which says a soft answer turns away wrath but a harsh word stirs up anger the tongue of the wise commends knowledge but the mouths of fools pour out Folly [00:03:36]

My observation is is uh the term harsh word literally means word of pain that is a word that is hurtful words chosen wisely promote peace rather than anger and they instruct by example my a my application is I need to choose my words wisely I need to pause and ask myself is what I'm about to say going to build this person up or tear them down [00:36:16]

Words chosen wisely promote peace rather than anger and they instruct by example my a my application is I need to choose my words wisely I need to pause and ask myself is what I'm about to say going to build this person up or tear them down also I need to ask is what I'm about to say going to reflect Christ to this person Choosing My Words is a minute to minute thing and I need to depend on the spirit to guide me and Empower me to choose the right words [00:43:16]

My application is I need to choose my words wisely I need to pause and ask myself is what I'm about to say going to build this person up or tear them down also I need to ask is what I'm about to say going to reflect Christ to this person Choosing My Words is a minute to minute thing and I need to depend on the spirit to guide me and Empower me to choose the right words [00:50:48]

I need to pause and ask myself is what I'm about to say going to build this person up or tear them down also I need to ask is what I'm about to say going to reflect Christ to this person Choosing My Words is a minute to minute thing and I need to depend on the spirit to guide me and Empower me to choose the right words [00:54:00]

I need to ask is what I'm about to say going to reflect Christ to this person Choosing My Words is a minute to minute thing and I need to depend on the spirit to guide me and Empower me to choose the right words my prayer is Lord forgive me for the times that I have used harsh words that did not reflect you are your great love for us [01:06:55]

Choosing My Words is a minute to minute thing and I need to depend on the spirit to guide me and Empower me to choose the right words my prayer is Lord forgive me for the times that I have used harsh words that did not reflect you are your great love for us help me to stop and think before I speak I can only do this by your grace [01:13:47]

I need to depend on the spirit to guide me and Empower me to choose the right words my prayer is Lord forgive me for the times that I have used harsh words that did not reflect you are your great love for us help me to stop and think before I speak I can only do this by your grace amen so this is my soap [01:18:43]

So this is my soap I'm just want you to know that I'm praying for each of you as you continue through this 31 day of walk of Proverbs specifically the prayer is is that you will see and hear God speak to you through his word and that we all are growing uh to become more like Christ in that process so just know that you're being prayed for [01:42:00]

Just know that you're being prayed for and as we complete this time together today let me close us collectively in a word of prayer let pray dear heavenly father once again we thank you for this day father we thank you for your word that speaks to us if we have ears to listen and a heart that is willing to take it in [02:06:07]

As we complete this time together today let me close us collectively in a word of prayer let pray dear heavenly father once again we thank you for this day father we thank you for your word that speaks to us if we have ears to listen and a heart that is willing to take it in uh father you're you're always there with us [02:08:19]

Father we thank you for your word that speaks to us if we have ears to listen and a heart that is willing to take it in uh father you're you're always there with us and father I pray that for me and and for all other others who are watching this video that we would choose our words wisely that we would stop and think [02:11:44]

That we would choose our words wisely that we would stop and think is what we're about to say going to reflect you and your love in this world that so desperately needs to hear that so father once again we thank you for this time help us to grow to become more like Christ in whose name we pray amen [02:16:52]

Father I pray that for me and and for all other others who are watching this video that we would choose our words wisely that we would stop and think is what we're about to say going to reflect you and your love in this world that so desperately needs to hear that so father once again we thank you for this time [02:30:48]

Help us to grow to become more like Christ in whose name we pray amen see you tomorrow for Proverbs chapter 16 [02:54:59]

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