Using Words Wisely

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As we think about the ways that we speak, we have already seen that our words are explosive and they can be destructive or transformative.  This morning we want to look at some practical ways in which our words can teach, correct, persuade and encourage those people in our lives.  This is so important because many times we may actually be God’s voice to others.

(Job 38:1-5 NIV)  Then the LORD answered Job out of the storm. He said: 2 "Who is this that darkens my counsel with words without knowledge? 3 Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer me. 4 "Where were you when I laid the earth's foundation? Tell me, if you understand. 5 Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know! Who stretched a measuring line across it?

(2 Timothy 3:16-17 NIV)  All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

(Proverbs 15:7 NIV)  The lips of the wise spread knowledge; not so the hearts of fools.

(Proverbs 17:27-28 NIV)  A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered. 28 Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue.

(Proverbs 20:15 NIV)  Gold there is, and rubies in abundance, but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel.

(Proverbs 25:15 NIV)  Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone.

(Proverbs 29:11 NIV)  A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control.

(Proverbs 15:28 NIV)  The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil.

(James 1:19-20 NIV)  My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.

(Ephesians 4:29 NIV)  Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

(Colossians 4:6 NIV)  Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

(Proverbs 1:22-27 NIV)  "How long will you simple ones love your simple ways? How long will mockers delight in mockery and fools hate knowledge? 23 If you had responded to my rebuke, I would have poured out my heart to you and made my thoughts known to you. 24 But since you rejected me when I called and no one gave heed when I stretched out my hand, 25 since you ignored all my advice and would not accept my rebuke, 26 I in turn will laugh at your disaster; I will mock when calamity overtakes you-- 27 when calamity overtakes you like a storm, when disaster sweeps over you like a whirlwind, when distress and trouble overwhelm you.

(Proverbs 3:11-12 NIV)  My son, do not despise the Lord's discipline and do not resent his rebuke, 12 because the LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in. (Hebrews 12:6-8; Revelation 3:19 NIV)

(Proverbs 9:8-10 NIV)  Do not rebuke a mocker or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man and he will love you. 9 Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man and he will add to his learning. 10 "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

(Proverbs 27:5-7 NIV)  Better is open rebuke than hidden love. 6 Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses. 7 He who is full loathes honey, but to the hungry even what is bitter tastes sweet.

(Mark 8:32-33 NIV)  He spoke plainly about this, and Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. 33 But when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples, he rebuked Peter. "Get behind me, Satan!" he said. "You do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men."

(Mark 14:5-7 NIV)  It could have been sold for more than a year's wages and the money given to the poor." And they rebuked her harshly. 6 "Leave her alone," said Jesus. "Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. 7 The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them any time you want. But you will not always have me.

(Luke 17:3-4 NIV)  So watch yourselves. "If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him. 4 If he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times comes back to you and says, 'I repent,' forgive him."

Digging Deeper

1.  Read the following verses and list the kinds of verbal actions that are taking place (warning, encouraging, etc.).  1 Thessalonians 5:14; Colossians 3:16; Proverbs 17:10; 2 Timothy 4:2-5.  Which of those is easiest for you?  Which is hardest? Why?

2.  Often when we admonish or correct someone it does not go well. Why do you think that is true?  After thinking about that question read these passages and see if you gain more insight into the question. James 1:19-20; Proverbs 9:8-10; Hebrews 12:6-8; 2 Timothy 4:2-5 (especially the last part); 1 Thessalonians 5:14; Romans 12:10; Philippians 2:3-4.

3.  Which of the following is more important when you feel you need to correct, rebuke or admonish someone:  truthfulness; your motive; your choice of words; your attitude?  All are important, but how would you rank them?  Think about a time when you tried to rebuke someone and it did not go well.  Were any of those aspects lacking in your approach?  Why should we be so careful (or should we)?  See Proverbs 17:28-29 and Ephesians 4:29.
Posted by CPADMIN at 2/19/2012 12:29 PM
Categories: Message Series:Sticks and Stones, 2012:February, Jerry Rahm
Tags: Job 38 2 Timothy 3 Proverbs 15 Proverbs 17 Proverbs 20 Proverbs 25 Proverbs 29 James 1 epheasians Ephesians 4 Colossians 4 Proverbs 1 Proverbs 3 Proverbs 9 Proverbs 27 Mark 8 Mark 14 Luke 17 Wisely Using Words Wisely Wisdom admonish Correction Rebuke Truthfulness
 
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