Proverbs: Wise Words for Wise Living

Sunday, July 6^th 2025

Proverbs 18:21; Proverbs 10:13

Introduction

Wisdom Teaches Us What to Say and When to Say It

1. Proverbs and Speech

The theme of speech in the Book of Proverbs is a major and recurring focus. Proverbs emphasizes that words have power— to bring life or death, to bless or destroy, to build up or tear down.

Proverbs 18:21 – “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.”

Proverbs 12:18 – “There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”

Let’s Contrast Between the Speech of the Wise and the Foolish

The Speech of the Wise:

Honest (Proverbs 12:19); Gentle (Proverbs 15:1); Thoughtful (Proverbs 15:28) Restrained (Proverbs 10:19); Encouraging and life-giving (Proverbs 16:24)

The Speech of the Foolish:

Deceitful (Proverbs 10:18); Boastful (Proverbs 27:2); Quarrelsome (Proverbs 18:6)

Hasty and reckless (Proverbs 29:20) Full of lies and slander (Proverbs 6:17,19)

Wisdom is shown not only in speaking rightly but also in listening carefully and not rushing to speak. The wise person exercises self-control in their words.

Proverbs 18:13 – “If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame.”

Proverbs 17:27-28 – “Whoever restrains his words has knowledge... Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise.”

Proverbs 10:19 – “When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.”

Proverbs 13:3 – “Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life; he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.”

1. Jesus and Speech

Jesus is very clear when it comes to the issue of speech and words. Jesus the epitome of wisdom understands that our words are powerful, have meaning and consequences.

“You brood of vipers! How can you speak good, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified and by your words you will be condemned.” Matthew 12:34-37

As Jesus disciples, our words should be shaped by the character of Jesus who words were marked by truth, grace and love.

• Us and Speech

When it comes to us and the way we talk, the only thing that can save us is the gospel.

James 3:1-10 tells me what my tongue is like! The only thing I can do is to cry out to God and cultivate speech that glorifies God!

"Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear," Ephesians 4:29

"Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person," Colossians 4:6

"Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger," James 1:19

The way we speak influences the quality of our relationships—with family, friends, neighbors, and community.

Proverbs 15:1 – “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”

Proverbs 16:28 – “A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends.”

1. Conclusion

The Book of Proverbs presents speech as a moral and spiritual issue. Words reflect the heart (Matthew 12:34). Proverbs and all of Scripture challenges us to speak with wisdom, truth, humility, and love. Whether in private or public conversations, the wise use their speech to glorify God, edify others, and avoid the snares of foolish talk.