April 25, 2010 Pastor Scott Snowden
 WISDOM
Proverbs- Profound Truth in Simple Terms
#7. The Wisdom of Gracious Speech…
Pleasant words are a honeycomb,
sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
Proverbs 16:24
We live in a world where everybody thinks they have something to say. We mistakenly believe that our 1 st Amendment rights require people to listen to anything we want them to hear. On the cable news shows, over the talk radio airwaves, from the car stereos that pull up next to us in traffic, people on the cell phone incessantly talking or texting- we are assaulted by noise and opinion everyday. How should people of faith join in this symphony of static? How does the Gospel and its truth get a fair hearing through the cacophony of misinformation, disinformation and just plain wrong? What clues does Solomon give us…?
- My words are pleasant when they are _CAREFULLY_MEASURED_.
- It helps if I wait until I know what is _GOING_ON_ in the first place.
He who answers before listening- that is his folly and his shame.
Proverbs 18:13
Do you see a man who speaks in haste?
There is more hope for a fool than for him.
Proverbs 29:20
- It helps if I consider how what I say will be _RECEIVED_.
Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning…
Proverbs 10:13a
The heart of the righteous weighs its answers…
Proverbs 15:28
- Knowledge- where we are
- Understanding- how we got here
- Wisdom- what we do next, what happens next
- My words are pleasant when they are _HELPFUL_&_ENCOURAGING_.
- Will what I say make the situation _BETTER_?
Reckless words pierce like a sword,
but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
Proverbs 12:18
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
Proverbs 15:1
- Will what I say _PICK_ a person up, or _BRING_ him down?
An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up.
Proverbs 12:25
A cheerful look brings joy to the heart,
and good news gives health to the bones.
Proverbs 15:30
- Will what I say _TEACH_ or bring _CLARITY_?
The wise in heart are called discerning,
and pleasant words promote instruction.
Proverbs 16:21
- My words are pleasant when they are _TRUSTWORTHY_&_HONEST_.
- Will what I say damage a person’s _REPUTATION_?
He who conceals his hatred has lying lips,
and whoever spreads slander is a fool.
Proverbs 10:18
- Will what I say damage a _FRIENDSHIP_?
Without wood a fire goes out; without gossip a quarrel dies down.
Proverbs 26:20
- Will what I say damage my own _CREDIBILITY_?
Like clouds and wind without rain
is a man who boasts of gifts he does not give.
Proverbs 25:14
- My words are pleasant when they are _FEW_.
- The reality is this- if I choose my words carefully,
if I am sure that what I want to say is positive,
and that what I want to say is honest and accurate;
I may find that I don’t really have much to say!
- Sometimes the best thing I can say is _NOTHING_AT_ALL_!
Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent,
and discerning if he holds his tongue.
Proverbs 17:28
When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.
Proverbs 10:19
- Once the words are out, they are _MINE_FOREVER_!
It is a trap for a man to dedicate something rashly
and only later to consider his vows.
Proverbs 20:25
He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity.
Proverbs 21:23
- Finding just the right thing to say at just the right time benefits _EVERYONE_!
A man finds joy in giving an apt reply- and how good is a timely word!
Proverbs 15:23
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