2-12-2023 Proverbs 18:21 "When and How"

Proverbs 18:21 “When and How”

Timing Matters

In the fear of the Lord, we should see He spoke with order

and timing.

Part of timing is understanding who is hearing.

We must be sure we are not hasty in our speech.

After Listening

We must never speak into someone’s life without listening first.

We must never speak into a situation without hearing all sides.

We want to be sure we aren’t speaking in ignorant foolishness.

Gently

The way we speak can also push our words towards life or death.

Jesus demonstrated wisdom in how He spoke to people.

We must always ask ourselves if our words are spoken in a fitting way.

Prov. 27:14 - Whoever blesses his neighbor with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, will be counted as cursing.

23:9 - Do not speak in the hearing of a fool, for he will despise the good sense of your words.

9:7 - Whoever corrects a scoffer gets himself abuse, and he who reproves a wicked man incurs injury

Hebrews 5:11 - About this we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing.

29:20 - Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him

15:23 - To make an apt answer is a joy to a man, and a word in season, how good it is

18:13 - If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame

18:17 - The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him

17:28 - Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent.

13:3 - Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life; he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin

15:1 - A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger

25:11 - A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver