Words
Teaching Notes
The tongue has the power of life and death (Proverbs 18:21)
The Power of Words
The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. (Proverbs 12:18)
Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. (Proverbs 16:24)
Whoever winks with their eye is plotting perversity; whoever purses their lips is bent on evil. (Proverbs 16:30)
Have you ever been the recipient of the vicious wink or the pursing lips?
The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts. (Proverbs 18:8)
With their mouths, the godless destroy their neighbors, but through knowledge the righteous escape. (Proverbs 11:9)
“Jesus doesn’t condemn, so neither can you.”
“I have overcome death, so I can definitely overcome this.”
“I’m a child of God...I might be a big deal.”
“I am no longer a slave to fear, so go ahead and take your best shot.”
“God is going to work out everything out for my good, just you wait and see.”
“If God is for me, who cares that you are against me.”
“I will not only conqueror this attack...I am more than a conqueror.”
“No matter what you say, nothing can separate me from the love of God.”
The Weakness of Words
Words are no substitute for action.
Hard work always pays off; mere talk puts no bread on the table. (Proverbs 14:23MSG)
Words cannot alter the facts.
Smooth words may hide a wicked heart,
just as a pretty glaze covers a clay pot.
People may cover their hatred with pleasant words,
but they’re deceiving you.
They pretend to be kind, but don’t believe them.
Their hearts are full of many evils.
While their hatred may be concealed by trickery,
their wrongdoing will be exposed in public.
(Proverbs 26:23-26 NLT)
Don’t excuse yourself by saying, “Look, we didn’t know.”
For God understands all hearts, and he sees you.
He who guards your soul knows you knew.
He will repay all people as their actions deserve. (Proverbs 24:12 NLT)
Words cannot force a response
Words alone will not discipline a servant; the words may be understood, but they are not heeded. (Proverbs 29:19)
A single rebuke does more for a person of understanding than a hundred lashes on the back of a fool. (Proverbs 17:10)
Words at their Best
They will be honest
An honest answer is like a kiss of friendship. (Proverbs 24:26)They will be few
Even fools are thought wise when they keep silent; with their mouths shut, they seem intelligent. (Proverbs 17:28)They will be calm
A gentle answer turns away wrath,but a harsh word stirs up anger. (Proverbs 15:1)They will be timely
Like apples of gold in settings of silver, is a word spoken at the proper time. (Proverbs 25:11)
Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. (Proverbs 4:23)
For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. (Matthew 12:34)
Going Deeper
"With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.
James 3:9-10
"The tongue has the power of life and death."
Proverbs 18:21
"Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it."
Proverbs 4:23
Jesus said it this way - "For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of."
Matthew 12:34
Randy's weekend message was on the power of the words we speak to one another.
What is a memory that is vivid to you when someone spoke encouragement into your life? Why do you think you remember it so well? How did it affect your choices?
Conversely, you probably recall something terrible someone said to you that you continue to replay in your mind. If appropriate, please share with your group. Why do you think you remember it so well? How did it impact you? Does it still impact you?
Have you ever caught yourself about to speak something really damaging to someone? Why did you hold back? Inevitably, there were times when you did say the unfortunate thing. What was your emotional state when that happened?
From the verses above, what is the source of the things we say? How do we reinforce the speaking of blessing over discouragement to other people?
What are some practical ways you have discovered to keep a rein on your tongue?
WFC Lenexa + WFC Anywhere
Child of Love- We The Kingdom
All That I Needed- Mitch Langley
Firm Foundation- Cody Carnes
He's Able- Deitrich Haddon
WFC Speedway
Here Again- Elevation Worship
Nothing Else- Cody Carnes
The Lion and The Lamb- Bethel Music feat./Leeland
Rattle- Elevation Worship
Be sure to save our Spotify Worship Playlist, updated weekly with the upcoming Sunday’s set!