Guard Your Speech

Guard Your Speech
Bible Passages: Background/Lesson Passages: Proverbs 17:27-28; 21:23; 18:19-21; 11:13; 26:20-24; 10:18- 19;21 12:17-19; 25:11-13; 31:8-9
March 23, 2014

Lesson Passages:
1. Think Before You Speak (Prov. 17:27-28; 21:23)
2. Recognize the Power of Words (Prov. 18:19-21)
3. Guard Against Gossip (Prov. 11:13; 26:20-24)
4. Guard Against Falsehood (Prov. 10:18-19; 12:17-19)
5. Use Words to Help and Heal (Prov. 25:11-13; 31:8-9)

Focus on This Goal: To help adults guard their speech so that it is helpful not hurtful
……………………………………………………………………………………………………
SCRIPTURE 1 -Think Before You Speak (Prov. 17:27-28; 21:23)
17:27 The intelligent person restrains his words, and one who keeps a cool head is a man of understanding. 28 Even a fool is considered wise when he keeps silent, discerning when he seals his lips. 21:23 The one who guards his mouth and tongue keeps himself out of trouble.

Chapter 17, verse 27 – The beginning of wise speech is learning when to speak at all. Empowered by God’s spirit, believers learn to be careful in what they say. They develop the knowledge to know when to speak and when not to speak. Moreover, believers have learned to have a cool head about themselves in tense situations. They keep an even temper, knowing well the danger of letting anger determine what you say. God gives us wisdom and strength when we need it.

Verse 28 – This verse continues the thinking of the previous verse. In doing so, it shows us a common feature of Hebrew poetry; which is using a parallel line of text alongside a regular line of text to repeat a thought in slightly different terms. It’s like looking at the same finely cut diamond from different angles.
Here Solomon was not saying that a foolish person is wise, only that when such a person holds his tongue in a tense situation he appears wise. Guarding one’s speech is so much a part Christian living, that not doing so makes a believer appear more foolish than a fool—that is, an unbeliever. Perhaps this Old Testament proverb was the basis of our modern saying: “Better to be silent and thought a fool than to open one’s mouth and remove all doubt.” The wise believer knows when to speak and when to be silent. A peaceful spirit produces a quiet mouth.

Chapter 21, verse 23 – How often have you found yourself in trouble with someone because of simple misunderstandings? The word, guards, in this proverb literally means “to keep watch over.” One form of the word was used in the Old Testament to refer to “watchmen,” guards posted on a city’s walls to look for oncoming trouble. In the New Testament, Paul urged believers, in his Letter to the Colossians, to season their speech at all times with the salt of grace, especially when talking with unbelievers.

Verse 19 – Most of us know what it is like to have our feelings hurt by someone’s thoughtless words. Likewise, then, most of us probably have been on the other side of that situation. We have hurt someone by using offending words. Perhaps we didn’t intend to offend the person, nevertheless, we did offend. In the case of this proverb, the offended person is a believer, making the wounded feelings all the more painful. The point is that once the damage is done, the relationship may not be easily repaired.
Even if we, the offender, reach out to make peace, we may discover that our wounded person (or fellow believer; in the case of God’s family) has built a wall to protect from further heartache. If the hurtful words are just one statement in a broader ugly family argument, then the difficulty in making peace only gets harder. We put up even more walls, like the bars of a fortress.

Verse 20 – In comparison to the situation in 18:19 (above) in this verse there is the joy of a good and satisfying relationship. What helps to make this difference are the kind and truthful words we speak; what Solomon spoke of as the fruit of our mouths and the “produce” of our lips. When believers follow God’s direction and speak in such a way as to honor Him, we are blessed with satisfaction. The proverb also points out that we generally receive what we give. If we use good words for good purposes, we usually get the same in return.

Verse 21 – As believers, we must never forget that words can have great power—even the power to make the difference between life and death for a speaker or a hearer. What we say can be constructive or destructive, but words are usually not neutral. By recognizing the benefits and dangers of words, we can use their power for good rather than harm. In Scripture, to love is to decide and to act in ways that promote the well-being of the person who is loved. Thus to love wise speech is to practice it and enjoy the fruitful outcomes.

SCRIPTURE 3- Guard Against Gossip (Prov. 11:13; 26:20-24)
11:13 A gossip goes around revealing a secret, but a trustworthy person keeps a confidence.26:20 Without wood, fire goes out; without a gossip, conflict dies down. 21 As charcoal for embers and wood for fire, so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife. 22 A gossip’s words are like choice food that goes down to one’s innermost being. 23 Smooth lips with an evil heart are like glaze on an earthen vessel. 24 A hateful person disguises himself with his speech and harbors deceit within.

Chapter 11, verse 13 – The comparison Solomon made in this proverb shows that gossip can ruin trust. He put at opposite ends of the relationship the trustworthy person on the one hand and the tale-bearer on the other. On either end, the person’s actions are a sign of that person’s character. A gossip can’t be trusted with confidential information. The slanderer takes tale-bearing and makes it worse; slanderers seek to harm others with false testimony. In contrast, friends who keep a confidence show by their action that they are trustworthy.

Chapter 26, verses 20-21- These two proverbs point out the same truth. Those who are given to gossiping or quarreling usually keep conflicts going long after they should have been settled. The image Solomon used is that of fire, an image also used by James in the New Testament. To keep burning, a fire needs fuel, such as wood. Even if the fire dies down to a few glowing embers, all it takes is putting on some more wood and fanning the embers. Many a church has had to confront members who upset the fellowship with constant hurtful, negative speech. Church discipline should always be done prayerfully, fairly, and in an effort to bring about repentance and restoration. However, worse damage can occur if churches allow gossips to continue spreading their negative words.

Verse 22 – Sadly, too many people are willing to encourage gossips by eagerly listening to their tales. Because of our sinful nature, too often we’re drawn to the gossip’s whispered words like we’re drawn to a dish of delicious food. Gossip, however, is a poison dish that, when taken in, will infect our very soul (innermost being).

Verses 23-24 – In these two proverbs, Solomon warned that people often do not recognize the danger that a gossip’s words present. Gossips use smooth talk to hide their hatred and evil intent. Their efforts can be compared to putting a shiny glaze on a piece of common pottery. The exterior looks good, but the heart of it is still just baked mud.

SCRIPTURE 4 -Guard Against Falsehood (Prov. 10:18-19; 12:17-19)
10:18 The one who conceals hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads slander is a fool. 19 When there are many words, sin is unavoidable, but the one who controls his lips is wise. 12:17 Whoever speaks the truth declares what is right, but a false witness, deceit. 18 There is one who speaks rashly, like a piercing sword; but the tongue of the wise brings healing. 19 Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue, only a moment.

Chapter 10, verse 18 – One root of lying lips is a heart filled with hatred. We don’t lie to people we love. When people knowingly lie, they usually do so for personal advantage, often to the harm of someone else. Solomon observed that the person who slanders another is a fool.

Verse 19 – James taught that a believer who never stumbles into sin through words is spiritually mature indeed! His teaching points out what Solomon wrote in this proverb. It stands to reason that the more someone talks, the more likely the person is to say something along the way that crosses the line of sin, or transgression. It is the Holy Spirit who gives believers self-control to guard against falsehood.

Chapter 12, verse 17 – God’s truth produces boldness as the believer declares what is right. The picture behind this proverb is that of a witness who confidently tells the truth. This person has no fear of being accused of dishonesty. For example the false witness must always work to keep the details of their wrong doing in a similar fashion. Therefore, such people often use unclear words in sly ways, speaking in whispers lest someone expose their lie.

Verse 18- This proverb compares rash speech with wise speech. Rash, or reckless, speech uses words without thought or consideration for the damage words can cause. Rash speakers often use words like a sword, stabbing and slicing their targets without mercy. On the other hand, wise speech has a healing quality. Wise Christians know they can use words to heal broken relationships, mend hurt feelings, and restore peace.

Verse 19- All real truth comes from the Lord. As indicated in 12:17, the truth stands on its own; it endures simply because it is true. When we speak truthfully, that truth lasts through the tests of time. The words of a lying tongue, however, soon crumble into dust. As believers we are to always speak the truth in love.

SCRIPTURE 5 -Use Words to Help and Heal (Prov. 25:11-13; 31:8-9)
25:11 A word spoken at the right time is like gold apples on a silver tray. 12 A wise correction to a receptive ear is like a gold ring or an ornament of gold. 13 To those who send him, a trustworthy messenger is like the coolness of snow on a harvest day; he refreshes the life of his masters.
31:8 Speak up for those who have no voice, for the justice of all who are dispossessed. 9 Speak up, judge righteously, and defend the cause of the oppressed and needy.

Chapter 25, verse 11- Always remember that biblical wisdom is the God-given skill of making the right choice at the proper time. A wise word can be spoken at just the time it’s needed. Or it might be a word that fits a given situation that arises. Or it could be a timely right judgment, or response. Solomon’s point was that wise words are precious, as valuable as gold apples on a silver tray.

Verse 12 – Sometimes the wise word someone needs is a word of correction, or reproof. Hearing a word of correction may not seem pleasant at the time; it takes maturity to appreciate and learn from correction. However, Solomon pictured wise correction that comes from a loving, concerned heart with the intent to help, nor harm. The person who is receptive to such correction will find it to be of great value, like a beautiful gold ornament that adorns their life.

Verse 13- Here Solomon pictured the value of a trusted messenger to the masters who sent him to deliver an important message. Long before telegraph, telephone, and satellite-based communication, messengers were the vital link between people and nations. How valuable was a capable, trustworthy messenger? Solomon compared it to the refreshment that parched, thirsty, Middle Eastern field workers would experience when someone delivered a barrel of cool, melted snow for them to drink. Similarly, we can be encouraged when a pastor faithfully reveals God’s message from His Word.

Chapter 31, verses 8-9- These two verses are part of wise words spoken to King Lemuel by his mother. Other parts of the wise words will be discussed in later studies. The mother’s advice was intended to help her son rule wisely and justly. Throughout history, there have been people who for different reasons are unable to speak. Lemuel’s mother may have had such persons in mind, but she also wanted the king to speak up for those with no voice of power, or influence. The king in ancient life was the supreme human judge in the land.
Therefore he needed to judge righteously and be a strong supporter for the mistreated and needy. He needed to be their voice to guarantee justice. Justice involves not only legal judgments but also, in the broader sense, fair treatment of people in every part of life. The Scriptures call for all believers to have our Heavenly Father’s dedication for justice and mercy. Under the Spirit’s guidance, we can take at least two actions. First, we can speak up for helpless people. Second, we can treat all people fairly, in ways that honor our Lord Jesus Christ. In the Spirit’s power, let us do so today!

Wayne Clemons, Teacher

Format duplicated and used with permission
Copyright 2014 by Lifeway