This message was preached at Casey.Proverbs 18:21 ‘Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.’ I’m sure you could tell stories where someone has encouraged you or spoken words of hope, purpose and destiny over you. I’m also sure that if you think about it, you could tell stories where someone has done the opposite. They have spoken something over you that has deeply affected you in a negative way and you have had to work through it all, maybe you still are.
Think about a time when someone spoke words of life or death over you. Maybe you have even done this to yourself. Reflect to yourself on the impact it had or perhaps still has on you today.
Proverbs 12:18 ‘Thoughtless words can sound as deeply as any sword, but wisely spoken words can heal.’ Proverbs 16:24 ‘Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.’As we can understand through both scripture and our lived experiences – words have power. This is why we need to have wisdom when using our words. God’s words (the bible) ground our words in wisdom.
So, what does wisdom mean? How would you define wisdom?
Most of us would say that wisdom means knowledge. But the Hebrew word for wisdom:
‘Chokhmah’ means much more than mental activity. It refers to action also, like ‘skill’ or ‘applied knowledge’. That’s why in Exodus (31:1-3), it was the same word – wisdom/’Chokhmah’ - artists and craftsmen were said to have.
So, the very purpose of the book of Proverbs (book of wisdom) is to develop a set of practical skills that will help us in living well in Gods world. One theme found in Proverbs is the importance and power contained within the words we speak. Throughout proverbs there are over 150 references to our tongue, words, or speech. Did you know, that the human tongue only accounts for under 1% of our body mass – it certainly punches above its weight! Our words, whether they are spoken, typed or texted, can have a dramatic effect on other people. Our words are a powerful force for good or for evil.
Some proverbs in our speech to consider:
• ‘The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life.’ Proverbs 10:11 • ‘A soft answer turns away wrath; a harsh word stirs up anger’ Proverbs 15:1 • ‘A fool's talk brings a rod to his back, but the lips of the wise protect him’. Proverbs 14:3• ‘A truly wise person uses few words; a person with understanding is even-tempered. Even fools are thought to be wise when they keep silent; when they keep their mouths shut, they seem intelligent.’ Proverbs 17:27-28• ‘Don’t talk too much, for it fosters sin. Be sensible and turn off the flow’ Proverbs 10:19Have you ever considered this: When we don’t speak, we lessen our sin output.
Why are our words so powerful?
1. My words affect other people (as already discussed)
2. My words speak about me.
Our words represent and reveal us – things we are passionate about, our motives, our joy and our pain. Jesus spoke about our words revealing what is going on within us. When He spoke about things that are within our hearts (Matt 12:34) and things that are in abundance within our hearts (Luke 6:45), these are seen through the words we speak. Our words will never become more godly until Holy Spirit gets to work on our hearts.
3. My words create an atmosphere around me.
Our words create an atmosphere for the way people can interact and dialogue with us. Have you ever been to a footy game and had that one supporter of the opposition sitting in the supporters stands. They yell profanities and boo. It shifts the atmosphere around them when that person speaks. Its important for us to use wisdom to be effective in our communication.
So, How can we use wisdom in our words? James 1:19-20 encourages us to THINK before we speak.
Here is a helpful acronym that we can use as a filter and consider the way we speak. It can also help us know if we should speak at all.
T - Is it Truthful? H - Is it Helpful? Or is it going to harm? I - Is it Inspirational? Is what you are going to say going to build up or tear down? Are these words encouraging? N - Is it Necessary? K - Is it Kind? Its truly vital that we use wisdom and THINK before we speak.
Discussion Questions1. Positive words can bring big benefits to the giver and the recipient. Discuss the benefits.
2. Quote: “Be careful with your words. Once they are said, they can be only forgiven, not forgotten”. Discuss this quote.
3. Can you recall any positive or negative words spoken over you in the past? Pray for each other over these words.
This prayer is a combination of scriptures from Proverbs, Ephesians and Colossians:
"Let your words be seasoned with kindness, for they have the power to heal or wound. Choose them wisely, for in their expression, you shape not only your present but also the future. Speak truth with love, offer grace generously, and let your words be a reflection of the wisdom that comes from a heart in tune to God's guidance. Remember, in the tapestry of life, each word you speak weaves a thread, creating a legacy of either beauty or regret. May your words be a source of light, leading others to the wisdom that flows from above." AMEN
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