Clear Communication
Modern Family Values • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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Intro:
Intro:
AG: Speech and community go hand in hand. Community depends on communication—upon information and attitudes shared in common” Bruce K. Waltke
TS: In our study of family values, we have seen that we are to
value love
offer forgiveness
accept responsibility
To that list of values, today we add: clear communication.
Our text is from Proverbs 12. in vss 15 and following wise communication is contrasted with foolish communication.
RS: We need clear communication in our families, churches, and community.
The first thing we see is that...
The Wise Weight their Words
The Wise Weight their Words
The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, But he who heeds counsel is wise.
A fool’s wrath is known at once, But a prudent man covers shame.
Fools think they need no advice
Their way is right in their own eyes
Believe they are right no matter the evidence to the contrary
Way of fool
Claim there is no GOD
The fool has said in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, They have done abominable works, There is none who does good.
Thus, they do what is right in their own eyes
The fool doth think he is wise, but the wise man knows himself to be a fool.
As You Like It
by William Shakespeare
He who heeds council is wise
A wise person, listens to others
They don’t just keep running their mouths!
They ponder their words to think before they speak
AP: We need to weigh our words in our families and church
Think before we speak.
The rotary club has a great 4-way test they encourage people to apply before saying anything:
The 4 way test of things we think, say and do
Is it the TRUTH?
Is it FAIR to all concerned?
Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?
(insert picture I emailed)
Why is weighing our words important? We find the answer in the next few verses.
Foolish and Wise Words
Foolish and Wise Words
Our words can be wise or foolish. It is easy to fail in this.
In the heat of emotions, we can fall into foolish patterns of speech.
Deceive vs. Declare Righteousness
Deceive vs. Declare Righteousness
He who speaks truth declares righteousness, But a false witness, deceit.
We live in a world filled with deceit!
People use words to manipulate us
We even deceive ourselves!
Sadly, truth isn’t valued as much as it once was.
Feelings guide many rather than facts
Our feelings will get us into trouble!
The most acceptable thing to do in our society is go along with everyone’s feelings
If someone tells you they are a plant, we are supposed to be tolerant and water them I guess!
But feeling something, doesn’t change the fact of who they really are.
Criminals are being excused and not prosecuted do to “feelings”
They can assault, destroy, and steal without consequence in many counties across our land.
We need truth!
Sin clouds my thinking, my will, my desires, my affections. There will always be parts of me that need to be opened more and more to let the fullness of God’s truth dwell in me.
R. C. Sproul
God’s word is truth!
We must get a clear and honest perspective on ourselves, our families, churches, etc.
That can only come from someone higher than we are! God, the Creator of the universe proclaimed truth in His Word.
How do we measure up to God’s Word?
That is the important question!
Wound v. heal
Wound v. heal
There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, But the tongue of the wise promotes health.
Fools cut with their words
“like being punctured by a sword”
Cutting remarks can be weaponized and cause harm
If you tell someone enough times they are worthless, they begin to believe it!
Even truth can be used by fools to wound
Using truth harshly as a weapon is never the intent of God’s word
The wise promote health!
They use words and truth to benefit the listener
They genuinely seek to make the other person better.
In healthcare, we have to do things that on the surface may appear harmful.
Medicines such as chemotherapy, can poison and make us feel worse as they are correcting a problem.
Surgeons cut with scalpels in their quest to remove and correct issues.
The goal is to heal!
Wise words make us better, even if they sting!
Doctors don’t address my weight because they want to ridicule me. They know my health would probably be better if I were more fit!
Temporary vs. Lasting
Temporary vs. Lasting
The truthful lip shall be established forever, But a lying tongue is but for a moment.
Lies are fleeting
In fact, they often get us in trouble because we can’t remember which lie to told to which person!
The story gets twisted and confused
That is why what was acceptable in the past in now wrong
They believed a lie and now standards have changed
Look at “comedy” from 30 years ago
everyone was a target of ridicule
Now, some of the most ridiculed are the most praised.
It was never right to bully others
It will never be right to live in defiance to God
Truth is eternal
11584 We should not think that eternal truths depend upon the human understanding or on other existing things; they must depend on God alone, who as the supreme legislator, ordained them from all eternity.
René Descartes
When we begin with the foundation of God’s word, we know truth!
Speak only the truth and your words and lessons will endure.
Bring Evil vs. Bring Joy
Bring Evil vs. Bring Joy
Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, But counselors of peace have joy.
No grave trouble will overtake the righteous, But the wicked shall be filled with evil.
This addresses the end product of the conversation
Bring Evil
deceit leads to evil
An embrace of sin and ungodliness
A deception of others
If you don’t like what God’s word says, there are sadly many “churches” which teach what the world wants to hear.
Paul addressed this in his charge to Timothy...
I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom:
Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.
For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers;
and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.
But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
But when truth is rejected, sin follows!
Bring Joy
Though it may sting to hear the truth, after it has done its work and we have repented, it brings joy.
Ultimately, Everlasting joy in Heaven
In this life, the most abundant life possible comes from living in a manner which glorifies God.
Abomination to the Lord vs Delight the Lord
Abomination to the Lord vs Delight the Lord
Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, But those who deal truthfully are His delight.
Fools, and their lies, are an abomination
Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary Abomination, Abomination of Desolation
that which is repulsive, detestable, or offensive
Liars are repulsive to God!
2 Nothing can be a more grievous abomination in the sight of God than excuses made by a sinner who knows they are utterly false and blasphemous.
Charles Finney
“Men Often Highly Esteem What God Abhors” sermon (19th century)
Charles Grandison Finney
In contrast, God delights in the the truthful
Unrestrained vs. Knowing when to stay silent
Unrestrained vs. Knowing when to stay silent
A prudent man conceals knowledge, But the heart of fools proclaims foolishness.
Not all things need to spoken aloud
Some truths can be concealed
For example: you don’t have to remind me I’m ugly. it does no good because I can’ t help that!
That only hurts and tears down
That truth, needs to be concealed
However, a foolish person blurts out whatever is in their minds!
AP: We need Clear communication in our homes;
Correct not criticize
Build up not tear down
Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.
Build up the listener
how dreadful it is if we waste our words and time teaching down our own family!
Our spouses and children need to be built up!
Add to them values and knowledge rather than taking from them
Encourage not discourage
Encourage each other
Promote truth not deceive
We must speak truth in love
Truth without love is harsh and only beats people down
Truth with love accomplishes the goal of correcting, building, and encouraging the listener.
Don’t we want that for our family and church?
Conclusion:
Conclusion:
RS:
The wise weigh their words
Choose Wise words not foolish words.
IS: