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Proverbs – Week 18 Study Guide

Opener:

Q1: So how are you doing with the “thought birds” …selfish, thankful? What has been nesting in your head this week?

Q2: Terry said, “about mid-year (Junish) I often hear of people becoming bored with the current topic. Same thing happens to jobs, school, relationships, weeks, semesters, life (mid-life). It’s an emerging theme.

  • Can you relate to this feeling? Are you getting bored?
  • What could you do to chang your thinking?
  • How could you see it (what your bored with) as pure opportunity, as a chance to change over time, and become more content as people?
  • What could you do personally to rouse yourself?

Scripture Passages used in Sermon:

(Note: There is a lot of Scripture, I included all to help you think through Terry’s Sermon)

“Don’t let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Eph. 4:29

“The godly are showered with blessings; the words of the wicked conceal violent intentions.” Prov. 10:6

“The words of the wicked are like a murderous ambush, but the words of the godly save lives.” Prov. 12:6

“Throw out the mocker, and the fighting goes too. Quarrels and insults will disappear.” Prov. 22:6

“A truthful witness saves lives, but a false witness breathes lies.” Prov. 14:5

“The Lords hates…lying tongue” Prov. 6:16-19

“Telling lies about others is as harmful as hitting them with an ax, wounding them with a sword, or shooting them with a sharp arrow.” Prov. 25:18

“A quarrelsome person starts fights as easily as hot embers light charcoal or fire lights wood.” Prov. 26:21

“Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.” 2 Tim. 2:23-26

“The gossip goes around telling secrets, but those who are trustworthy can keep a confidence.” Prov. 11:13

“Rumors are dainty morsels that sink deep into one’s heart” Prov. 18:8

“Wrongdoers eagerly listen to gossip; liars pay close attention to slander.” Prov. 17:4

“Without wood a fire goes out; without gossip a quarrel dies down.” Prov. 26:20

“Let someone else praise you, not your own mouth; a stranger, not your own lips.” Prov. 27:2

“She seduced him with her pretty speech and enticed him with her flattery. He followed her at once, like an ox going to the slaughter.” Prov. 7:21-22

“The one who answers before listening that is to their folly and shame.” Prov. 18:13

Discussion 1: The kind of “Talk” that comes out of our mouth.

Q1 Eph. 4:29 says, “Don’t let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”

  • It’s true none of us has perfect health in our words, but this verse is the goal. With that in mind, what can you do to make it more of a reality in your own life?

Discussion 2: Pathology Report: Lies/Arguments/Gossip/Rumor/Slander/Flattery/Bragging.

Q1: Review the list above. Do you struggle with any of these? Be honest.

Q2: Lies: The largest category of foolish words in the book of Proverbs is the lie.

A lie is “intended deception.”

  • What’s your view of Lying? How is it different from the culture around you?
  • How do you use “intended deception” in relationships? And why do you use it?
  • Perhaps you very directly use lies in relationships with others…why do you that?

Q2: Arguments are another form of foolish speech in Proverbs. Do you find yourself in arguments a lot? Why? What does it say about you? What may need to change?

Q3: Gossip/Rumor/Slander Group of words that describe speech designed to put others in a bad light and often to make ourselves look better or smart.

  • How would you describe the differences in these words? How are they similar?
  • What can you do to keep from being one of these types of people?

Q4: Flattery/Bragging.

  • How does the promiscuous woman use flattery?
  • What is bragging, and why do we tend to do it?
  • How our flattery and bragging both used to serve self?

Application: Move towards health in our words! Live a Gospel-centered life. Let Jesus shape you and the words that come out of you. Philippians 1:6 (CSB) 6I am sure of this, that he who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

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