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Proverbs – Week 19 Study Guide

The Anatomy of Wise Speech

Opener: It’s a Tongue Problem!

Q1: Proverbs has a lot to say about the tongue. But of course, it is not describing the actual thing in our mouths, but the words that come from our mouths. Proverbs describe what a healthy and unhealthy tongue is like. Just like an unhealthy physical tongue can be an indication of more significant health problems, so too, our words indicate a more significant issue to be addressed—a heart problem.

  • What are some of the key indicators from Last week that might indicate we have a tongue problem?

Scripture Passages used in Sermon:

(Note: Just like last week, there is a lot of Scripture, I included all to help you think through Terry’s Sermon)

  • 10:19 Where words are many sin is not absent, he who holds his tongue is wise
  • 10:20 The tongue of the righteous is choice silver
  • 10:21 The tongue of the wise nourishes many
  • 10:32 The lips of the righteous know what is fitting
  • 15:1 A gentle answer turns away wrath but a harsh word stirs up anger
  • 15:23 A man finds joy in giving an apt reply-and how good is a timely word!
  • 15:28 The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil.
  • 17:27 A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered.
  • 25:11 A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver
  • 26:4,5 Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you will be like him yourself. Answer a fool according to his folly or he will be wise in his own eyes.
  • 27:14 If a man loudly blesses his neighbor early in the morning it will be taken as a curse.
  • 4:23 “Above all else guard your heart…all of your life flows from there.”
  • 11:28-29 “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
  • 2:5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name.

Discussion 1: An Anatomy of healthy words

Q1 A single word that could describe what Proverbs presents as “wise/healthy” words…is appropriate. In your own words, describe what an “appropriate” word looks like?

  • What role does timing play when it comes to appropriate words?
  • Can the right word at the wrong time be inappropriate? How so?
  • When it comes to our words, why is it essential that we have good “SA”?

Discussion 2: Look at Jesus…his heart and the words that flowed from his heart.

Q1: Jesus said, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matt. 11:28-29

  • What is He saying about his own heart?
  • Why should we pay close attention to what Jesus says about His own heart?
  • What does it mean to be gentle? Lowly? And what are the implications for us personally? How can going to Jesus help us have a healthy tongue?

Application: Reread the Matthew Passage, but this time insert your own name in the passage: 28 Then Jesus said, “Come to me______________, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”

Have you failed in your words and heart this week, and it has worn you out?

Have others failed in their words towards you, and you have been hurt by them?

Maybe you are just worn out, period. Know that Jesus does not stand ready to hammer you for your weakness and failure.

Listen one more time to his words to you…from his heart.

28 Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”

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