Series: Wisdom For Life [#16]
CHOOSING LIFE WITH OUR WORDS
Proverbs 10:12-21
Introduction:
Our text talks about how powerful our words really are. Sometimes, we don’t realize just how much our words can impact others- Either hurting them or encouraging them. Proverbs show us that what we say reveals what’s inside our hearts, and it also shapes the kind of life we live. As followers of Jesus, we’re called to be careful with our words, choosing to speak in ways that build others up instead of tearing them down. When we use our words wisely, we can bring life and hope into situations that might seem hopeless.
This passage challenges us to think about how we communicate every day. It shows that anger and gossip can destroy- While words spoken in love and wisdom can bring healing and encouragement. Choosing life with our words isn’t just about avoiding harm; it’s about actively speaking words that uplift others and reflect God’s love. As we look at this Scripture, let’s ask God to help us be more mindful of what we say, so our words can truly make a positive difference. Today, we’ll learn how to speak in a way that brings life, hope, and grace to those around us.
Proverbs 10:12
Life-giving words…
1. Promote love and unity.
Words hold immense power to either foster love or sow discord among people. When we choose to speak words that promote love, patience, and kindness, we actively work to build unity within our relationships and communities. Such words encourage understanding, compassion, and reconciliation, creating an environment where people feel valued and cared for. Conversely, harsh or hateful words can lead to conflict, division, and the breakdown of relationships, causing pain and disunity that can be difficult to mend.
The Book of Proverbs highlights that love "covers over all wrongs" emphasizing the importance of patience, forgiveness, and seeking reconciliation through our speech. When we speak with humility and kindness, we reflect God's love and contribute to a atmosphere of peace and harmony. Our words can either tear down or uplift, and as followers of Christ, we are called to choose words that promote love, healing, and unity, thereby embodying the life-giving power of our speech.
Be intentional in using words that encourage and uplift others, recognizing that our speech has the power to either build bridges or create barriers. When conflicts arise, approach them with love and a desire to restore harmony, rather than deepen divisions, reflecting Christ’s love in every word we speak. Our speech should promote peace and unity among believers and within our communities, serving as a testament to God's love working through us. It’s worth asking ourselves- Are the words I speak promoting love and unity, or sowing discord? How can I become more mindful of my speech to better reflect God's love and bring healing to those around me?
Proverbs 10:13-14
Life-giving words…
2. Build wisdom and understanding.
Wisdom and discernment are clearly reflected in the way we use our words. When we speak with wisdom and understanding, we demonstrate insight and good judgment, recognizing the impact our words can have on others. Our speech has the power to build up, encourage, and bring life, or to tear down and cause harm. Therefore, choosing words carefully is a vital aspect of living wisely, as it affects our relationships and overall spiritual health.
Building wisdom involves intentional effort and thoughtful consideration. The wise "store up knowledge", meaning they actively seek understanding and are cautious about what they communicate. Recognizing the power of words, they aim to speak in ways that promote life and understanding. On the other hand, foolishness leads to destruction; the fool’s careless words invite negative consequences and ruin. Ultimately, the ability to discern when and how to speak reflects true wisdom and aligns with the biblical call to use our words to give life and foster understanding.
Be intentional in your speech by choosing words that impart wisdom and understanding, continually seeking knowledge so that your words reflect discernment and insight. Recognize the profound power of words to either bring life or cause harm and make a conscious effort to build others up rather than tear them down. Cultivating discernment enables you to speak in ways that promote life, growth, and understanding in those around you, aligning your words with God's desire for us to foster kindness, encouragement, and wisdom in every interaction.
Proverbs 10:15-21
Life-giving words…
3. Encourage and nourish others.
Our words hold incredible power to encourage, uplift, and nourish others both spiritually and emotionally. When we choose to speak life-giving words, we actively contribute to the growth, healing, and well-being of those around us. Just as a refuge provides safety and strength in times of need, our kind and wise words can serve as a source of comfort and reassurance for others. Righteousness and wisdom in our speech can guide others along the path of life, helping them to find hope and direction even in difficult circumstances.
On the other hand, careless or foolish words can lead others astray and cause harm. The Bible reminds us that reckless speech can result in death, (spiritually, emotionally, or relationally) highlighting the importance of measured, thoughtful communication. Speaking truth in love and avoiding hatred or unnecessary talk can nourish and build up those around us, much like choice silver that is valuable and nourishing. As followers of Christ, our words should reflect righteousness, for they have the power to nourish many, while foolish words can lead to spiritual death due to lack of sense. Choosing wise, encouraging words is essential to living out a life that promotes life and vitality in others.
Be intentional in choosing words that encourage and uplift others, recognizing the powerful influence our speech has on their spiritual growth and emotional well-being. Use your words to nourish, edify, and build up, rather than to tear down or discourage. Reflect on how your conversations can serve as a source of life and nourishment to those around you; and ask yourself how you can ensure your words are truly encouraging today. Consider if there have been times when your words unintentionally caused hurt or discouragement, and seek God's wisdom to cultivate more thoughtful, compassionate speech. By intentionally choosing words that promote life and healing, you can become a powerful instrument of God's love and encouragement to others.
Life-giving words…
4. Reflect self-control and restraint.
The Proverbs highlight the importance of self-control and restraint in our speech, emphasizing that the true wealth of the righteous lies in their ability to choose words wisely. While the riches of the wealthy may serve as a fortified city providing security, the poverty of the poor can lead to their downfall. In contrast, the righteous recognize that their words hold power- They can either bring life or cause harm. Carefully selecting words and practicing restraint reflect wisdom and maturity, demonstrating discipline in how we communicate. Reckless or impulsive speech can invite ruin, but when we speak with intention and thoughtfulness, our words become valuable and life-giving, much like choice silver that spreads knowledge and encouragement.
Restraint in speech is a vital expression of wisdom, as it shows an awareness of the potential impact our words can have on others. When we exercise control over what we say, we act in accordance with God's principles, building up rather than tearing down. Words spoken with restraint can uplift, guide, and bring life to those around us, fostering understanding and healing. Conversely, careless words can lead to destruction and regret. Therefore, cultivating self-control in our communication not only reflects our spiritual maturity but also aligns with God's desire for us to use our words to bless and serve others, ultimately leading us and those we influence on the path of life.
To develop greater self-control and restraint in daily conversations, I can practice pausing before responding, especially in tense or emotional situations, allowing myself time to think and choose my words carefully. Being mindful of what I say and how I say it helps me recognize the potential impact of my words- Whether they will bring encouragement and life or cause harm and division. I can also cultivate humility by accepting correction graciously, viewing it as an opportunity for growth rather than criticism. By intentionally focusing on speaking with kindness, patience, and purpose, I can reflect wisdom in my interactions and become a source of life and positivity to those around me.
Conclusion:
As we conclude, I want to remind all of us that our words are powerful- They can either lift people up or tear them down. The Bible teaches us that what we say reflects what’s really in our hearts, and it also has the power to shape the lives around us. So today, I want to challenge each of us to be more mindful about how we speak. Let’s choose words that bring people together, encourage them, and show love; because when we speak with kindness and wisdom, we’re actually making a difference in the lives of others.
Now, if you feel like you need God’s help in controlling your words or want to start fresh with how you communicate, I invite you to come forward. This is a moment to lay down any hurtful words or habits and ask God to fill you with His Spirit so your speech can reflect His love. Don’t hesitate- Come forward and let’s pray together. God is ready to help us speak life, hope, and grace into every situation we face.
