of speech Jesus spoke to them

"Wise Up About Words" {Prov13:3}
* We are nation of talkers
- Avg man: 20,000 wds/day
- Avg woman: 30,000 wds/day
- Talk shows, cell phones, talk radio, et al
- 120+ verses in Prov (1 of 8) about words
* Power of words
- In WWII, loose lips sink ships -- words can do damage to self & others
- Prov11:9: can destroy
- Prov12:25 can cheer or heal
* Avoid words that wound
- Gossip (truth that hurts) or slander (lies that hurt) {Prov11:13,16:27-28,20:19,26:22}
- Angry words {Prov15:1,29:22}
- Lies {Prov6:17,12:19,12:22,11:3}
- Flattery {Prov26:28}
- Hasty words {Prov29:20}
- Boasting {Prov8:13,27:1-2,30:32}
- Rash promises {Prov20:25}
- Complaining {Prov21:19}
* Choose words w/ wisdom
- Think before speaking {Prov12:18,15:28,29:20}
- Talk less {Prov10:19,17:28}
- Speak gently {Prov15:1,25:15}
- Cut others more slack (not same as overlooking sin) {Prov12:16,19:11}
- Always speak truth {Prov12:19,24:26}
- Choose words which heal & encourage {Prov12:18,12:25,15;4,16:24}
* Application
- Make things right
- Yield your tongue to God {Ps141:3}
- Ask God for a new heart {Matt12:34}
- Feast on the Word of God {Ps119:11}