Opening Up Proverbs (Session 9)

Wise Words

Proverbs 10:19

1. Words are powerful

(18:21; 11:11)

2. Words are limited

(14:23; 29:19; 10:13)

3. Words reveal what is in your heart

(15:2; 10:31)

4. Don’t use your speech to destroy

(11:9; 12:6a; 16:27)

Flattery - 29:5; 26:28b; 2:16

Lies - 12:22a; 26:28a; 6:19; 26:26

Gossip and Slander - 18:18; 17:9; 16:28; 20:19; 26:20

Angry Speech - 25:28; 12:18a; 29:22b

Quarrelsome Speech - 18:6a; 28:25; 13:10; 10:12

Perverse Speech - 17:20b

Proud Speech - 27:1-2

Excessive Speech - 13:3; 10:19; 17:28

God judges foolish Speech - 22:12; 10:31b; 10:10b; 18:7

5. Learn to Speak with Wisdom

Exercise Self-Control - 21:23; 18:2; 18:17; 10:19; 29:11

Speak with Integrity - 12:19a, 14:25a

Build others up with you words - 15:7a; 13:14a; 27:9

Develop excellence in the manner of your speech - 15:1; 16:21; 25:11; 27:14

God values and rewards wise speech - 10:20a; 16:24

Conclusion

How can you change your speech?

Christ speaks to you

FOR FURTHER STUDY

1. What characteristics of wise speech can be observed in Jesus’ words in the Sermon on the Mount ()?

2. Compare the teaching of to what Proverbs says about the tongue.

Opening Up Proverbs For Further Study

1. What characteristics of wise speech can be observed in Jesus’ words in the Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 5–7)?

2. Compare the teaching of James 3:1–6 to what Proverbs says about the tongue.

1. What characteristics of wise speech can be observed in Jesus’ words in the Sermon on the Mount ()?

2. Compare the teaching of to what Proverbs says about the tongue.

Jim Newheiser, Opening up Proverbs, Opening Up Commentary (Leominster: Day One Publications, 2008), 147.1. What characteristics of wise speech can be observed in Jesus’ words in the Sermon on the Mount ()?

2. Compare the teaching of to what Proverbs says about the tongue.

Jim Newheiser, Opening up Proverbs, Opening Up Commentary (Leominster: Day One Publications, 2008), 147.

TO THINK ABOUT AND DISCUSS

TO THINK ABOUT AND DISCUSS

Opening Up Proverbs To Think about and Discuss

1. Why isn’t it true that ‘sticks and stones can break my bones, but words will never hurt me’?

2. What is the difference between gossip and the legitimate exchange of information among concerned parties?

3. How can listening to people’s speech help you to choose your friends?

4. When have your careless words gotten you into trouble?

5. Is there any such thing as a ‘white lie’?

6. In what practical ways can you use your speech to build others up: in your family, at church, and in your workplace?

Opening Up Proverbs To Think about and Discuss

1. Why isn’t it true that ‘sticks and stones can break my bones, but words will never hurt me’?

2. What is the difference between gossip and the legitimate exchange of information among concerned parties?

3. How can listening to people’s speech help you to choose your friends?

4. When have your careless words gotten you into trouble?

5. Is there any such thing as a ‘white lie’?

6. In what practical ways can you use your speech to build others up: in your family, at church, and in your workplace?