Wise Words: The Power of Speech in Proverbs

Summary

### Summary

Today, we delved into the wisdom of Proverbs, focusing on the power and importance of our words. Proverbs, a collection of wise sayings primarily written by Solomon to his son, offers general truths rather than ironclad promises. Understanding this helps us interpret its teachings correctly. Our discussion centered on three main points: limiting our words, informing our words, and using our words to invite peace.

Firstly, we must limit our words. Proverbs 17:27-28 emphasizes the value of restraint in speech. Choosing our words carefully and knowing when to speak or remain silent is a mark of wisdom. In a world where there's pressure to voice opinions quickly, especially on social media, it's crucial to slow down and consider the impact of our words. Restraint doesn't mean silence when we should speak, but it does mean being thoughtful and intentional about our communication.

Secondly, we must inform our words. Proverbs 18:2 warns against expressing opinions without understanding. Our natural biases shape our opinions, but wisdom calls us to seek understanding before speaking. Asking questions and seeking truth helps us form well-informed opinions. This approach not only aligns with biblical wisdom but also fosters healthier, more constructive conversations.

Lastly, our words should invite peace. Proverbs 18:6-7 highlights how a fool's words can lead to conflict and ruin. As followers of Christ, our speech should aim to build peace and resolve conflicts. This doesn't mean avoiding disagreements but handling them in a way that promotes understanding and unity. In a culture easily offended, we must speak truth in love, striving to be peacemakers in our interactions.

### Key Takeaways

1. Limit Your Words: Proverbs 17:27-28 teaches the importance of restraint in speech. Choosing words carefully and knowing when to speak or remain silent is a mark of wisdom. In a world that pressures us to voice opinions quickly, especially on social media, it's crucial to slow down and consider the impact of our words. Restraint doesn't mean silence when we should speak, but it does mean being thoughtful and intentional about our communication. [09:29]

2. Inform Your Words: Proverbs 18:2 warns against expressing opinions without understanding. Our natural biases shape our opinions, but wisdom calls us to seek understanding before speaking. Asking questions and seeking truth helps us form well-informed opinions. This approach not only aligns with biblical wisdom but also fosters healthier, more constructive conversations. [23:20]

3. Invite Peace with Your Words: Proverbs 18:6-7 highlights how a fool's words can lead to conflict and ruin. As followers of Christ, our speech should aim to build peace and resolve conflicts. This doesn't mean avoiding disagreements but handling them in a way that promotes understanding and unity. In a culture easily offended, we must speak truth in love, striving to be peacemakers in our interactions. [31:16]

4. Seek Understanding Before Speaking: Developing the habit of asking questions before making statements is crucial. Proverbs 18:2 encourages us to seek understanding before expressing our opinions. This practice helps us avoid the pitfalls of our natural biases and leads to more informed and constructive conversations. [24:14]

5. Disagree Agreeably: It's possible to disagree without conflict. Proverbs 15:18 and 20:3 emphasize the importance of resolving conflicts and avoiding unnecessary strife. In our relationships, whether in marriage, parenting, or community, we should aim to use our words to build peace and resolve disagreements in a loving and constructive manner. [37:45]

### YouTube Chapters

[0:00] - Welcome
[02:20] - Introduction to Proverbs
[03:06] - Personal Story: Foot in Mouth
[05:14] - Understanding Proverbs
[08:03] - Wisdom vs. Foolishness
[08:48] - Prayer for Guidance
[09:29] - Limit Your Words
[11:39] - Choosing Words Carefully
[13:20] - When to Speak or Be Silent
[15:24] - Jesus' Example
[18:00] - Sensitivity to the Holy Spirit
[19:53] - THINK Before Speaking
[21:16] - Inform Your Words
[23:20] - Asking Questions
[27:55] - Motive Behind Words
[31:16] - Invite Peace with Your Words
[34:43] - Resolving Conflict
[37:45] - Disagree Agreeably
[41:46] - Conclusion: Living Wisely

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Proverbs 17:27-28: "The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even-tempered. Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues."
2. Proverbs 18:2: "Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions."
3. Proverbs 18:6-7: "The lips of fools bring them strife, and their mouths invite a beating. The mouths of fools are their undoing, and their lips are a snare to their very lives."

#### Observation Questions
1. According to Proverbs 17:27-28, what is the value of restraining our words? How does this reflect wisdom? [09:29]
2. What does Proverbs 18:2 warn against, and how does it relate to forming opinions? [23:20]
3. How do Proverbs 18:6-7 describe the consequences of a fool's words? What kind of outcomes do they invite? [31:16]
4. In the sermon, what personal story did the pastor share to illustrate the importance of choosing words carefully? [03:06]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How can limiting our words, as advised in Proverbs 17:27-28, help us avoid unnecessary conflicts in our daily interactions? [09:29]
2. Why is it important to seek understanding before expressing our opinions, as highlighted in Proverbs 18:2? How does this align with biblical wisdom? [23:20]
3. What does it mean to use our words to invite peace, according to Proverbs 18:6-7? How can this principle be applied in resolving conflicts? [31:16]
4. How does the pastor suggest we balance the need to speak up with the wisdom of restraint? What role does the Holy Spirit play in this process? [18:00]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent situation where you spoke without restraint. How could you have handled it differently by applying the wisdom from Proverbs 17:27-28? [09:29]
2. Think of a time when you formed an opinion without fully understanding the situation. How can you develop the habit of asking questions before making statements, as suggested in Proverbs 18:2? [23:20]
3. In your relationships, how can you use your words to build peace and resolve conflicts, rather than escalating them? Share a specific example where you can apply this principle from Proverbs 18:6-7. [31:16]
4. The pastor mentioned the importance of being sensitive to the Holy Spirit when deciding whether to speak or remain silent. How can you cultivate this sensitivity in your daily life? [18:00]
5. How can you practice disagreeing agreeably in your interactions, especially in a culture that is easily offended? Share a strategy you can use to maintain peace while standing for truth. [37:45]
6. Identify a person in your life with whom you often have conflicts. What specific steps can you take to use your words to invite peace in your interactions with them? [31:16]
7. Reflect on the THINK acronym (True, Helpful, Insightful, Necessary, Kind) shared in the sermon. Choose one aspect to focus on this week and describe how you will implement it in your conversations. [19:53]

Devotional

Day 1: The Power of Restraint in Speech
Limiting our words is a mark of wisdom. Proverbs 17:27-28 emphasizes the value of restraint in speech. In a world where there's pressure to voice opinions quickly, especially on social media, it's crucial to slow down and consider the impact of our words. Restraint doesn't mean silence when we should speak, but it does mean being thoughtful and intentional about our communication. By choosing our words carefully and knowing when to speak or remain silent, we demonstrate wisdom and maturity. This practice not only helps us avoid unnecessary conflicts but also allows us to be more effective in our communication. [09:29]

Proverbs 17:27-28 (ESV): "Whoever restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding. Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent."

Reflection: Think of a recent situation where you spoke hastily. How could you have approached it differently by exercising restraint and thoughtfulness in your words?

Day 2: Seeking Understanding Before Speaking
Proverbs 18:2 warns against expressing opinions without understanding. Our natural biases shape our opinions, but wisdom calls us to seek understanding before speaking. Asking questions and seeking truth helps us form well-informed opinions. This approach not only aligns with biblical wisdom but also fosters healthier, more constructive conversations. By developing the habit of asking questions before making statements, we can avoid the pitfalls of our natural biases and lead to more informed and constructive conversations. [23:20]

Proverbs 18:2 (ESV): "A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion."

Reflection: Think of a topic you feel strongly about. How can you seek to understand different perspectives before forming or expressing your opinion?

Day 3: Using Words to Invite Peace
Proverbs 18:6-7 highlights how a fool's words can lead to conflict and ruin. As followers of Christ, our speech should aim to build peace and resolve conflicts. This doesn't mean avoiding disagreements but handling them in a way that promotes understanding and unity. In a culture easily offended, we must speak truth in love, striving to be peacemakers in our interactions. By using our words to invite peace, we can help create an environment of understanding and unity, even in the midst of disagreements. [31:16]

Proverbs 18:6-7 (ESV): "A fool's lips walk into a fight, and his mouth invites a beating. A fool's mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to his soul."

Reflection: Think of a recent disagreement you had. How could you have used your words to promote peace and understanding instead of conflict?

Day 4: The Importance of Informed Opinions
Developing the habit of asking questions before making statements is crucial. Proverbs 18:2 encourages us to seek understanding before expressing our opinions. This practice helps us avoid the pitfalls of our natural biases and leads to more informed and constructive conversations. By seeking understanding and asking questions, we can form well-informed opinions that align with biblical wisdom and foster healthier, more constructive conversations. [24:14]

Proverbs 18:2 (ESV): "A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion."

Reflection: Think of a recent conversation where you expressed an opinion. How could you have sought more understanding before speaking?

Day 5: Disagreeing Agreeably
It's possible to disagree without conflict. Proverbs 15:18 and 20:3 emphasize the importance of resolving conflicts and avoiding unnecessary strife. In our relationships, whether in marriage, parenting, or community, we should aim to use our words to build peace and resolve disagreements in a loving and constructive manner. By learning to disagree agreeably, we can maintain healthy relationships and promote unity, even in the midst of differing opinions. [37:45]

Proverbs 15:18 (ESV): "A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger quiets contention."

Reflection: Think of a relationship where you often find yourself in disagreement. How can you approach these disagreements in a way that promotes peace and understanding?

Quotes

1. "Think about that. Think about that we have the word of the living God that's right in front of us and that we can just study it. And I'm so thankful that we can do that." [02:20] (9 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Proverbs has a lot to say about our words and how we use our words. In fact, the whole Bible actually does. But particularly in the book of Proverbs, we see a lot about how to use words here. And this text in front of us is no different here." [04:35] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Proverbs are not promises. They're not ironclad promises. They're general truths that are given. Okay. So, symbolism and hyperbole are, is the rule with Proverbs. So, it's like saying things to the extreme to have the point." [05:50] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "It's generally true that if you instruct your children, you teach them about God, when they get older, they're going to follow that path. That's generally true. We all know, though, that that's not 100%. We all know that every child needs to follow Christ on their own." [07:19] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "We must limit our words. We see that in chapter 17 and verse 27 and 28. It talks about restraining words here. And whoever does it has knowledge. And he talks about even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise." [09:29] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "Restraint means choosing our words carefully. Okay? And this is easy to miss. We all misspeak at times. We all say things that came out wrong or it's something that, you know, we just didn't really think about how it sounded. But a wise person is one who's considering their words and considering what they're actually saying and they're choosing their words carefully." [10:23] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "We live in a society now where it is so easy just to have all sorts of information out there and we can just blast it out there. Through, you know, our online presence or whatever. And there's a pressure to speak quickly about an issue." [11:39] (8 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion. Secondly, we must inform our words. So, we've got to limit our words, but we also need to inform our words." [21:16] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "Our opinions are naturally biased. You have to recognize this. The opinions that you and I carry with us and that instinctively come up in a situation, they're biased. Okay? And that's not bad. There's nothing wrong with that. It's just the reality of it. Our background, our experiences, our culture form a bias through which we interpret the world around us." [22:02] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "We have to make sure that truth always trumps our personal bias. Truth has to trump our personal bias. And so we have to be in search of truth about the matter. And in asking those questions, if we reveal information that goes against our initial thought, a wise person then adjusts their personal thought." [28:42] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?

Were there any personal stories shared?